The Senate Committee on Public Accounts, led by Senator Ahmed Wadada on Tuesday has directed the Nigerian Customs Service to refund the sum of N62.2 billion to the Federation Account.
The directive comes in response to a query raised by the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation titled “Non Remittance of Levies into the Federation Account” for the sum of N65.5 billion.
The Committee gave the NCS team, led by Deputy Comptroller General of Customs Mr. F.O. Okun, two weeks to appear again before it and provide evidence of remittance to the Federation Account.
Expressing disappointment, Wadada highlighted the importance of addressing financial leakages, stating, “If we continue to have this loophole, we shall forever continue to have leakages. If this continues, government will continue to lose revenue, and borrowing will continue to service budget, and deficit will have no end.”
He emphasized the need for accountability and urged the NCS to take immediate action, stating, “Regardless of when it happens, government is a continuum, and we must address the leakages.”
In a separate session with journalists, the Committee also criticized the Nigerian Ports Authority for failing to account for over $1 billion in indebtedness from terminal operators and an additional $68 million outstanding Estate Rent and Shipping Dues.
Wadada gave the NPA 48 hours to appear before the Committee, stating, “Nobody should be allowed to disrespect the institution of the National Assembly.”
