Advocacy Group Demands EFCC Probe into Alleged Corruption in DESOPADEC, Decries Misuse of Public Funds

A Niger Delta civil society group has called for urgent investigation into the activities of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC), urging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe the current Board and Management over alleged mismanagement of funds meant for the development of oil-producing communities in Delta State.

The group, under the umbrella of the Niger Delta Civil Society Forum, alleged that resources allocated to the commission for critical infrastructure and community development may be diverted for personal and unrelated expenditures, including what it described as the “purchase of chieftaincy titles by public office holders.”

Speaking on behalf of the group, Comrade Steven Luke, Unit Spokesperson of the forum, said the statutory responsibilities of the commission have been “gradually compromised,” warning that such actions, if left unchecked, undermine the purpose for which DESOPADEC was established.

He stressed that the commission, which was created to address environmental degradation, infrastructure deficits, and economic marginalisation in oil-producing communities, must not become a platform for personal enrichment.

“DESOPADEC board members were not appointed to pursue personal prestige or engage in activities outside their mandate. The resources of the commission belong to the people and must be strictly used for community development,” Luke stated.

The group further called on the EFCC to commence an independent investigation into financial transactions and project execution records of the commission, insisting that accountability and transparency must be enforced without political interference.

The statement also referenced growing public concern over governance practices in the Niger Delta development agencies, warning that continued allegations of mismanagement could deepen distrust between local communities and government institutions.

While no official response has been issued by the management of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission at the time of filing this report, the civil society group urged the board to immediately make public its financial records and ongoing project details to clear doubts in the public space.

The group also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to act decisively, noting that failure to investigate credible allegations of corruption could embolden further abuse of public office.

In its broader political reflection, the group accused successive administrations of failing to adequately confront corruption in the state, claiming that past governance patterns continue to influence current institutions. It made reference to former governor Ifeanyi Okowa, alleging that unresolved systemic issues from previous administrations remain evident in public agencies today.

The civil society forum insisted that only strict enforcement of anti-corruption laws and transparent management of development funds will restore public confidence and ensure that oil-producing communities receive the benefits intended for them.

As calls for accountability intensify, attention is now expected to shift toward whether relevant anti-graft agencies will respond to the demands for a formal investigation into the commission’s operations.