Accountability Front Commends ICPC Probe, Demands Thorough Investigation of NEPC Allegations

A civil society organisation, the Accountability Front, has commended the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over its reported investigation into allegations of corruption involving the management of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).

The organisation urged the anti-corruption agency to conduct a comprehensive investigation and pursue the matter to its logical conclusion in accordance with the law.

In a letter dated August 14, 2026, and addressed to the ICPC Chairman in Abuja, the Accountability Front expressed its appreciation for the commission’s intervention, describing the investigation as an important step towards strengthening transparency and accountability in public service.

The letter, signed by the organisation’s Coordinator, M. Kazallaha, said the investigation would help protect public resources and safeguard the integrity of the NEPC, a government agency responsible for promoting Nigeria’s non-oil exports and supporting the country’s trade and economic diversification efforts.

The group also expressed solidarity with the ICPC and commended its investigators for what it described as professionalism and diligence in handling the allegations.

It urged the commission to remain committed to the investigation and ensure that the process is conducted thoroughly, fairly and transparently.

Allegations Against NEPC Management

The latest development follows a series of allegations previously raised against the NEPC management concerning financial management, procurement, personnel administration and official travels.

One of the allegations contained in previous petitions and complaints involved the purported diversion or misapplication of about ₦500 million, said to represent approximately 20 per cent of quarterly subvention.

However, the allegation has not been established as fact and remains subject to investigation by the relevant authorities.

Other complaints have raised questions over the alleged redeployment or replacement of procurement personnel and claims concerning payments purportedly made through point-of-sale (POS) channels.

There have also been allegations involving the appointment of retired personnel to contractual positions, irregularities in personnel records, nepotism and alleged abuse of office.

Travel expenditure has also featured in some of the complaints, including an alleged Auditor-General-related query of ₦230.54 million reportedly linked to foreign travel expenditure in 2024.

Additional allegations have included claims of staff intimidation and concerns over the alleged administration of an oath of secrecy to some personnel.

The Accountability Front stressed the importance of allowing the relevant authorities to verify the allegations and determine whether any laws or regulations were breached.

NEPC’s Strategic Role

The renewed attention on the NEPC is significant because of the council’s role in Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.

The agency is mandated to promote non-oil exports, support exporters, develop export value chains, facilitate access to international markets and contribute to efforts aimed at increasing the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

The Accountability Front argued that any proven financial or administrative misconduct within the institution could undermine public confidence and affect programmes designed to support exporters and strengthen Nigeria’s non-oil economy.

Previous complaints have also contained claims that certain internal management decisions and disputes may have affected relationships with international development and trade partners, including organisations associated with GIZ, the Commonwealth Bank/CBI, KOICA and JETRO.

Those claims remain allegations and have not been judicially established.

Accountability Front Calls for Transparency

The organisation said it would continue to monitor developments surrounding the investigation and urged the ICPC to establish the facts and determine responsibility where wrongdoing is proven.

It emphasised that accountability should apply to all individuals, regardless of their positions or status.

The group also called for due process, including an opportunity for persons named in the allegations to respond to the claims against them.

It further urged the authorities to recover any public funds found to have been mismanaged and prosecute anyone found culpable in accordance with the law.

The Accountability Front said the investigation comes at a critical time as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to promote non-oil exports, local production and economic diversification.

It added that the outcome of the investigation could have implications beyond the individuals mentioned in the allegations, particularly for public confidence in the NEPC and its ability to effectively deliver on its mandate.

The organisation therefore urged the ICPC to conclude the investigation transparently, professionally and in accordance with the law.