CACOL Backs Calls For FG To Probe Disbursement Of $300 Million Ogoni’s Fund

The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) a coalition of civil society organizations and individuals has thrown its weight behind the calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria to immediately launch a thorough investigation into the alleged mismanagement and diversion of the $300 million paid to the Ogoni people for Oil Mining Lease (OML) 11, reportedly paid under the watch of the former Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). 

In a release signed by the organization’s Director of Administration and Programmes, Tola Oresanwo on behalf of the organization’s Chairman, Mr. Debo Adeniran he noted that “It was recently reported by a section of the media that an Ogoni Indigenous non- governmental Organisation, the Ogoni Liberation Initiative (OLI), claimed that the fund was diverted by the previous administration of the Rivers State Government under Nyesom Wike in collaboration with certain individuals who claimed to be representing Ogoni interests.

“The report has raised serious concerns over the disbursement and utilization of these funds, which were intended to support environmental remediation, infrastructure development, and socio-economic empowerment for the Ogoni people, long affected by oil pollution and neglect.

“The lack of visible impact from such a substantial amount demands urgent scrutiny to ensure that public resources are not being siphoned by corrupt officials. We would like to reiterate that corruption in high places must not be covered up. Nigeria’s reputation as a nation battling systemic corruption continues to suffer when high-profile cases involving top government officials and corporate leaders are swept under the carpet.

“The alleged mishandling of the $300 million Ogoni fund is yet another test of the government’s commitment to fighting graft and ensuring justice for marginalized communities. We remind the administration of President Bola Tinubu that covering up corrupt practices at any level especially within institutions like the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) only deepens public distrust, discourages foreign investment, and tarnishes Nigeria’s image internationally.

” The world is watching, and failure to act decisively will further erode confidence in Nigeria’s governance systems. To this end, we urge the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other relevant agencies to:

 1. Immediately commence a high-powered probe into the disbursement and utilization of the $300 million Ogoni fund.

 2. Hold all implicated individuals accountable, regardless of their political or corporate influence.

 3. Ensure full transparency by making findings public and recovering any diverted funds. 

4. Engage civil society and community stakeholders in Ogoni to monitor the investigation and ensure justice is served. 

The Ogoni people, like all Nigerians, deserve development, not exploitation. We will not stand by while public funds meant for their welfare disappear into private pockets. The government must act now to demonstrate that no one is above the law.