By Abdullahi Inuwa
The reported probe into the affairs of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has received a fresh boost, with the Accountability Front urging the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to leave no stone unturned in uncovering the truth behind a string of allegations against the council’s management.
The civil society organisation, in a letter dated August 14, 2026, and addressed to the ICPC Chairman in Abuja, commended the anti-corruption agency for stepping into the controversy, describing the intervention as a crucial test of accountability in one of Nigeria’s key economic institutions.
Signed by its Coordinator, M. Kazallaha, the group said Nigerians were entitled to know what happened to public funds and how critical decisions were made within an institution charged with driving the nation’s non-oil export ambitions.
At the heart of previous complaints is an allegation involving approximately ₦500 million, reportedly said to represent about 20 per cent of quarterly subvention.
The Accountability Front, however, stressed the need for facts rather than assumptions, urging investigators to establish whether the alleged financial irregularities occurred, how the funds were handled and whether anyone should be held responsible.
The group also pointed to other allegations contained in earlier complaints, including concerns over procurement processes, personnel administration, alleged payments through point-of-sale channels, appointments involving retired personnel and claims of nepotism and abuse of office.
None of the allegations has been established as fact and the organisation said the investigation should provide all parties with an opportunity to respond.
Another issue highlighted in previous complaints is foreign travel expenditure.
An alleged Auditor-General-related query of ₦230,540,843 concerning foreign travel expenditure in 2024 has also featured in the controversy.
The Accountability Front wants the ICPC to establish whether the expenditure complied with applicable rules, whether the trips were properly authorised and whether the spending delivered value to the Nigerian public.
Claims of staff intimidation and the alleged administration of oaths of secrecy to some personnel have also been listed among issues requiring investigation.
Beyond the personalities involved, the Accountability Front said the bigger concern is the future of Nigeria’s non-oil export drive.
The NEPC occupies a strategic position in efforts to diversify the economy away from dependence on crude oil. Its responsibilities include supporting exporters, developing non-oil value chains, opening international markets and strengthening Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.
The group warned that unresolved allegations of financial or administrative misconduct could damage public confidence in an institution expected to play a major role in economic diversification.
The Accountability Front urged the ICPC to pursue the investigation professionally and independently, insisting that accountability must apply to anyone found culpable, regardless of position.
It also called for the recovery of any public funds proven to have been mismanaged and appropriate legal action where evidence establishes wrongdoing.
At the same time, the organisation urged investigators to protect the rights of those accused by allowing them to answer the allegations and by ensuring that conclusions are based on evidence.
The group said the investigation offers an opportunity to settle questions that have surrounded the council’s administration and restore confidence in the NEPC.
It further urged the ICPC to examine previous complaints concerning alleged relationships and disputes involving international development and trade partners, including organisations associated with GIZ, Commonwealth Bank/CBI, KOICA and JETRO.
Those claims remain unproven and are subject to verification.
For the Accountability Front, the unfolding investigation is bigger than an individual or an institution.
It is, the group said, a test of whether Nigeria’s public institutions can withstand scrutiny and demonstrate that every naira entrusted to them is accounted for.
The organisation therefore pledged to continue monitoring the matter while urging the ICPC to pursue the investigation to its logical conclusion.
Its message was clear: establish the facts, follow the money and let the law take its course.
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