The Accountability Front, a civil society organisation, has commended the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over its reported investigation into allegations surrounding the management of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC).
In a letter dated August 14, 2026, and addressed to the ICPC Chairman in Abuja, the organisation expressed appreciation for the commission’s intervention, describing the investigation as an important step towards strengthening transparency, accountability and integrity in public institutions.
The letter, signed by the organisation’s Coordinator, M. Kazallaha, said a thorough investigation would help protect public resources and safeguard the credibility of the NEPC, a federal agency responsible for promoting Nigeria’s non-oil exports and supporting the country’s economic diversification agenda.
The Accountability Front also commended ICPC investigators for what it described as professionalism and diligence, urging the commission to remain resolute and pursue the matter to its logical conclusion.
The renewed scrutiny follows a series of allegations previously raised against the NEPC management, covering areas including financial administration, procurement, personnel management and official travels. Similar concerns had earlier prompted calls from civil society groups for oversight bodies to examine the council’s operations.
Among the allegations contained in previous complaints was a claim involving the possible diversion or misapplication of about ₦500 million, reportedly representing approximately 20 per cent of quarterly subvention. The allegation has not been established as fact and remains subject to verification by the relevant authorities.
Other allegations included concerns over the redeployment or replacement of procurement personnel, payments allegedly made through point-of-sale channels, contractual appointments involving retired personnel, irregularities in personnel records, nepotism and alleged abuse of office.
Travel expenditure has also featured in the complaints, including reference to an Auditor-General-related query of ₦230,540,843 reportedly linked to foreign travel expenditure in 2024. The claim, like the others, remains an allegation requiring appropriate investigation and verification.
The complaints have further raised allegations of staff intimidation and the administration of an alleged oath of secrecy to some personnel.
The Accountability Front stressed the need for due process, including allowing individuals named in the allegations an opportunity to respond.
The organisation said the matter was particularly important because of the strategic role of the NEPC in expanding Nigeria’s non-oil exports, supporting exporters, developing export value chains and facilitating access to international markets. The council’s mandate includes promoting and diversifying Nigeria’s export trade and supporting the development of export-related industries.
According to the group, any proven financial or administrative misconduct within the council could undermine public confidence and affect programmes designed to support exporters and strengthen Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.
The Accountability Front also urged investigators to examine previous claims concerning the council’s relationships with international development and trade partners, including organisations associated with GIZ, CBI, KOICA and JETRO. It stressed that the claims have not been judicially established and should be treated strictly as allegations pending verification.
The group said accountability must apply irrespective of the status or position of anyone found culpable, while emphasising that the investigation should be conducted transparently and in accordance with Nigerian law.
It further called for the recovery of any public funds found to have been mismanaged and appropriate sanctions against anyone established to have committed wrongdoing.
The renewed attention on the NEPC comes as the Federal Government continues to place emphasis on non-oil exports, local production and economic diversification. The council itself has continued to pursue initiatives aimed at strengthening exporters and expanding Nigeria’s presence in international markets.
The Accountability Front said it would continue to monitor developments and expressed confidence that the ICPC would establish the facts, protect due process and ensure that justice is done—and seen to be done.