By Suleman Chitera | Investigative Report
As Malawi inches closer to the election, former President Lazarus Chakwera’s fiery declaration — “Ndikuwadziwa amene akuononga ku NOCMA, ndipo ndikavota iwo ntchito zawo katha” (“I know those sabotaging NOCMA, and I will fire them”) — continues to stir public debate and fuel demands for accountability in the country’s troubled energy sector.
The remarks, made during a campaign stop in Lilongwe just a week before the polls, have reignited long-standing questions about corruption, power struggles, and fuel shortages at the National Oil Company of Malawi (NOCMA).
Public Outcry for Names and Action
Citizens and civil-society groups have called on authorities to ensure that anyone responsible for sabotaging NOCMA faces justice.
Energy watchdogs say the President’s public admission that he “knows those involved” should be followed by concrete action.
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“If there are people who deliberately undermined fuel supply, the public deserves to know who they are,” said a governance analyst in Lilongwe. “The law must take its course—no one should be above it.”
Malawians have endured months of erratic fuel supplies, with transport costs soaring and the private sector citing billions in losses.
Inside NOCMA’s Deepening Crisis
For years, NOCMA has been mired in procurement controversies, with reports of political interference and inflated fuel import contracts.
An internal audit seen by The Nation Investigates revealed irregularities in supplier selection, delays in payments, and disputes between the parastatal’s management and the Ministry of Energy.
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Insiders say competing political and business interests have effectively paralyzed the company.
“Each administration treats NOCMA as a source of power and money,” one senior official said. “That’s why procurement decisions are constantly contested.”
Legal Experts Weigh In
Legal commentators say President Chakwera’s statement could have legal implications if it points to criminal activity.
They argue that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) or Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) should summon him to provide names or evidence that could assist ongoing investigations.
“If there’s credible information on sabotage or corruption, it should be formally submitted,” said constitutional lawyer Martha Kaukonde. “The law empowers authorities to question anyone with relevant knowledge.”
Government Response and Political Reactions
The Ministry of Energy has yet to release an official response, but opposition parties have seized on Chakwera’s words as proof that his administration “protected corrupt officials.”
The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and United Democratic Front (UDF) have both demanded an independent inquiry, arguing that transparency is key to stabilizing the fuel sector.
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Meanwhile, the Blue Alliance government led by President Peter Mutharika has pledged to “restore integrity at NOCMA” through a comprehensive audit and strict oversight of future contracts.
What’s Next for NOCMA and Malawi’s Energy Sector
With elections days away, Chakwera’s remarks have thrust NOCMA back into the national spotlight.
Whether his statement was a genuine admission or political rhetoric, the public expects answers and accountability.
If the ongoing investigations reveal the individuals behind the sabotage, Malawi could witness one of the most consequential corruption probes in its recent history.
