The civil society organization EFSCRJ has issued a clarion call for the full implementation of the National Assembly’s Russian Oil Scandal Report, adopted on July 10, 2025, following a year-long parliamentary inquiry. The report exposed the illegal importation and sale of 37,000 metric tonnes of petroleum products valued at $30 million in 2023, uncovering a web of corruption, abuse of office, tax evasion, and money laundering involving public officials, businesses, and individuals.
The inquiry, conducted by the Joint Committee of Finance and Public Accounts (FPAC) and the Public Enterprises Committee (PEC), revealed misconduct by high-ranking officials and private entities. Key recommendations include the removal of Petroleum Minister Abdoulie Jobe and Interior Minister Abdoulie Sanyang for misconduct, the investigation and prosecution of GamPetroleum’s General Manager Yorro Jallow, and legal action against Aurimas Steiblys (Apogee FZC), Nana Koranteng (Creed Energy), and Nana Akufo (Ultimate Beige) for money laundering and tax evasion. The report also calls for sanctions against Access Bank and ECOBANK for anti-money laundering breaches, alongside institutional reforms to strengthen oversight and inter-agency collaboration.
EFSCRJ expressed alarm at the lack of response from both the Executive and Legislature 30 days after the report’s adoption. The organization urged President Adama Barrow and National Assembly Members (NAMs) to act decisively, invoking Section 75 of the 1997 Constitution to censure the implicated ministers, remove Jallow, and initiate criminal investigations. EFSCRJ also called for Central Bank sanctions against the named banks and legislative reforms, including a whistleblower protection law and enhanced oversight by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA).
“The President and NAMs swore an oath to uphold the Constitution and serve The Gambia without fear or favor,” EFSCRJ stated. “Failure to implement this report fully constitutes a dereliction of duty and contempt of the National Assembly, violating the Constitution.” The organization emphasized that the significant resources invested in the inquiry must not be wasted due to inaction.
EFSCRJ framed the Russian Oil Scandal as emblematic of a broader culture of corruption and abuse of office within the government. The group warned that unchecked corruption threatens peace, progress, and stability, exacerbating poverty and injustice while undermining societal potential. “This report is a unique opportunity for President Barrow to decisively punish corruption,” EFSCRJ declared, urging civil society organizations, political parties, citizens, and development partners to pressure the government for action.
The organization commended the National Assembly for its robust inquiry but stressed the urgency of implementing the report’s recommendations. “Corruption is lawlessness,” EFSCRJ noted, cautioning that allowing it to persist with impunity risks further societal harm.
