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Reps Committee Criticizes MDAs for Ignoring Invitation on Customs, Border Management Probe

January 14, 2025

 

The House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise has expressed displeasure over the failure of key ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) of the Federal Government to respond to an invitation to attend an investigative hearing on the operations of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the management of the country’s borders.

The hearing, which was a joint effort with the House Committee on Interior, sought input from the Minister of Interior, the Comptroller General of Customs, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, and other key stakeholders to examine the modernisation of the Nigeria Customs Service. Specifically, the investigation focuses on the e-customs concession and the role of Webb Fontaine in the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP), as well as the use of modern technology to enhance border security and address issues of illegal migration.

While the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, was excused due to being out of the country, no explanation was given for the absence of the Customs boss and his Immigration counterpart.

During the hearing, Hon. Olumide Osoba (Ogun-APC), a member of the committee, expressed disappointment with the MDAs’ absence, emphasizing that the constitution grants the Parliament the authority to summon individuals to explain issues before the House. He pointed out that only the chief executives of these agencies were authorized to speak on the matters being investigated.

“As a result of their absence, this investigative hearing cannot proceed, as those representing the agencies are not in a position to answer the critical questions being raised,” Hon. Osoba said.

Echoing this sentiment, Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante (PDP, Rivers) stated that the failure to attend the hearing was a direct affront to the legislature. He added that should the agencies continue to ignore the committee’s invitation, Parliament should consider invoking its powers to recommend their removal from office.

“Their refusal to honor parliamentary invitations suggests either incompetence in their roles or a lack of commitment to the duties they have been assigned,” Hon. Abiante said.

In response to the issue, Hon. Leke Abejide (ADC, Kogi), Chairman of the Committee, stated that the investigation is crucial not only for improving government revenue through the modernisation of Customs but also for securing the nation’s borders. He acknowledged the tight schedules of the lawmakers but reassured that the investigation would be rescheduled to a later date, ideally after the passage of the national budget, when the relevant chief executives could attend and provide answers.

The committee is set to continue its investigation into the customs concession to Trade Modernisation Project, Webb Fontaine’s ongoing management of the e-customs system, and the selection process that led to TMP’s involvement. The inquiry will also focus on TMP’s efforts in introducing modern scanners to expedite the clearance of goods and make the process more efficient.

Written by Adeyemi Adewale




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