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  • Reps committee orders Customs to stop illegal charges within seven days

    Reps committee orders Customs to stop illegal charges within seven days

    The House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise has ordered the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to stop collecting the one per cent Comprehensive Import Supervision Scheme (CISS) levy and the 7% cost of collection, declaring them illegal and not backed by any existing law.

    Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Leke Abejide (ADC, Kogi), issued the directive on Monday during a budget defence session with the management of the Customs Service regarding its 2025 proposal.

    Abejide stated that the only legally recognised funding for the Customs Service is the 4% Free-on-Board (FOB) allocation, as stipulated by law.

    While acknowledging that the NCS exceeded its 2024 revenue target, he criticised the poor funding it received from the federal government.

    He added that the Committee would permit the collection of the 1% CISS and the 7% cost of collection only until June 30, 2025. From July 1, he warned, any continued collection of the levies would be deemed illegal and would attract legal consequences.

    Responding to the Committee, Deputy Comptroller General of Customs in charge of Finance, Bello Mohammed Jibo, who represented the Comptroller General, explained that the implementation of the 4% FOB had been temporarily suspended to allow for stakeholder sensitisation.

    However, Abejide dismissed the explanation and insisted on compliance with the law.

    He warned that if the Customs Service fails to comply with the directive, the House would take legal action, stressing the importance of upholding the Customs Management Act.

    Abejide also highlighted the underperformance of the 2024 budget, noting that personnel costs stood at 43.53%, overhead costs at 46.34%, and capital project performance at 45.68%, despite the service generating N6.105 trillion against a target of N5.079 trillion, a 20.21% increase.

    He expressed shock that despite the substantial revenue performance, the Customs could not adequately fund its operations in 2024. Particularly troubling, he said, was the fact that 60% of the CISS levy, intended to fund overheads, personnel, and capital projects, recorded zero remittance to Customs’ accounts throughout the year.

    “It is in the opinion of this committee that you should tell us what went wrong because the purpose of creating 1% CISS was to take care of service providers back then such as COTECNA, SGS, and GLOBAL SCAN who were responsible for valuation and the issuance of Risk Assessment Report (RAR) and maintain scanning operations.

    “Also, payment is equally made to Web Fountaine Limited, which provided network and automation to NCS. But about 80% of these operations and work schedules have been taken over by the Nigeria Customs Service. Therefore, why are you not getting your share of 60% of the 1% CISS?

    “However, this committee is not unaware that CISS is not backed by any law in Nigeria. It is not in the Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, and even your 7% cost of collection is equally illegal, as it is not in the LFN. The only legal source of income back by the Act of Parliament as signed by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria into Law and is Gazetted in LFN is the 4% Free-On Board (FOB) which can be found in section 18(1a) of Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023 (Federal Republic of Nigeria official Gazette No. 105 Lagos -9th June, 2023 Vol.110).

    DCG Jibo said the Nigeria Customs Service was established to take charge of the collection of Customs and Excise revenue and account for such in a manner as may be directed, suppressing smuggling activities, arresting and prosecuting offenders and carrying out trade facilitation

    He said despite the attendant high revenue grants to duty exemptions, waivers, and concessions, the continuous drop in cargo throughput due to economic stiffness, the effect of currency floatation that results in unfavourable trade volume and the expected revenue inflow and the de-excise of many excisable commodities, leaving only a few; cigarettes, beer, and alcoholic beverages, the service was able to record some remarkable achievement in 2024.

    He also said, aside from government policy measures that exempted payments of Customs Duties and import VAT on some essential food commodities in 2024 and a delay in the rollout and implementation of the 2023 fiscal policies, the service would have performed better than it did during the year.

    Jibo said the management of the Nigeria Customs Service is considerably determined to ensure that the 2025 to 2027 Fiscal strategy plan scales through successfully, adding that to achieve the set targets.

    To achieve this, he said, there was a need for the Customs modernisation project, with the introduction of the newly launched Unified Customs Information System, which provides a platform for full automation of all Customs procedures, which is expected to enhance revenue collection efficiency.

    He said further that the Service’s Management is intensifying its efforts to achieve more effective revenue recovery interventions, stressing that with the collaboration of WCO in developing an operational manual for PCA, there will be a better approach to revenue recoveries through the PCA, Systems Audit and Valuation.

    Read Also: Customs intercepts N344m contraband in Ogun

    He maintained that the Nigeria Customs Service has implemented the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) and Advanced Rulings programme, and consequently developed and built same into its operations which will boost the trade facilitation drive, enhance the release time of goods, improve the turnover time of Import and Export, and increase revenue generation as well.

    He disclosed that to tackle the menace of revenue leakages through smuggling, stakeholder engagements remain a striking agenda of the management of the Nigeria Customs Service. Hence, the Service seeks to engage more relevant authorities to ensure effective collaboration and security along the national borders.

    He called for the introduction of more scanners across Customs formations and the adoption of surveillance equipment will aid better revenue generation in 2025 and going forward, saying that with accelerated clearance and timely release of goods, the floating exchange will remain favourable to trade.

    He recommended other measures such as the re-introduction of excise on telecom services and single-use plastics policies, as well as a review of the tax expenditure policy of the Government to ensure a reasonable application that may not impose maximum negative impact or pressure on revenue.

    He also said that the Service anti-smuggling campaign, using all required operational guides as provided within the confines of Customs laws, will be intensified to ensure that illicit trade that creates a sphere for revenue leakages, as well as economic sabotage, is brought to the barest minimum.

  • Reps Committee invites Benue, Zamfara Govs, Assembly leaders

    Reps Committee invites Benue, Zamfara Govs, Assembly leaders

    The House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has invited Benue and Zamfara Governors with the leadership of their respective Houses of Assembly to appear before it on Thursday, May 8, 2025.

    This move follows a petition submitted by a civil rights group, Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law, which is urging the federal legislature to assume the legislative functions of the two State Assemblies over what it describes as failures in governance and constitutional compliance.

    Head, Media of the Committee, Chooks Oko, made this known in a statement on Friday.

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    According to the statement, the Chairman of the committee, Hon. Mike Etaba, who signed the summons, emphasised that the invited parties are well aware of the allegations levelled against them. 

    He said the hearing would provide them an opportunity to defend themselves before any drastic measures are taken.

    “Our mandate is to ensure the rule of law is not only respected but upheld across the federation.

    “The parties involved have a clear opportunity to lay out their positions and clarify the circumstances, so Nigerians can fully understand the issues at stake. Anarchy will not be permitted to take root in our democratic process,” he said.

  • Reps Committee orders OML18 Resources to pay $4m in oil royalties, gas flare penalties within five days

    Reps Committee orders OML18 Resources to pay $4m in oil royalties, gas flare penalties within five days

    The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has directed OML18 Resources Limited, formerly Sahara Field Production Ltd, to remit $4,020,000 to the Federation Account within five days.

    The directive was issued during the Committee’s hearing on Wednesday, as part of its ongoing investigation into outstanding debts owed by oil companies to the Federation Account.

    The investigation, based on findings from the 2021 Audit Report and data from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), involves 45 oil companies collectively owing $1.7 billion in outstanding liabilities.

    During the session, NUPRC representative Balarabe Haruna reported that OML18 Resources owes a total of $20,232,978.58 — comprising $17,370,619.89 in crude oil royalties and $2,862,358.69 in gas flare penalties. 

    Read Also: Reps committee orders refund of N33.5m spent on unauthorised foreign trips

    He added that the company also owes N173,707,943.05 in gas sales revenue.

    Responding to the allegations, Mrs. Olutobi Pamilerin Dairo, Team Lead of OML18 Resources’ Commercial Department, acknowledged the debt, stating that the NUPRC is the custodian of the relevant figures and confirming the accuracy of the liabilities.

    “I agree there are liabilities,” she said.

    Committee Chairman, Rep. Bamidele Salam, emphasized the seriousness of the matter: “The money owed to the Federation Account is significant and Nigeria needs the money. We take it that you have confirmed the NUPRC’s claims.”

    The Committee resolved that 20% of the total amount equivalent to $4.02 million must be paid within 5 days.

    PAC also instructed OML18 Resources to reconcile its accounts with the asset operator within 14 days and report back to the Committee with a breakdown of the remaining liabilities.

  • Be guided by national interests, Reps committee chair tells new NNPCL boss

    Be guided by national interests, Reps committee chair tells new NNPCL boss

    Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources, Midstream, Odianosen Okojie, has asked the  new Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Eng. Bayo Ojulari, to prioritise national interest in the discharge of their responsibilities.

    Ojulari, who was appointed by the President to replace Mele Kyari on Thursday, officially assumed duty on Friday as the new company’s GCEO.

    In a statement in Abuja on Saturday, Okojie commended Kyari and his team for their services to the nation and urged the Ojulari-led team to break new frontiers in the nation’s oil and gas industry.

    The statement reads in part:  “I, on behalf of the House of Representatives Committees on Petroleum Resources (Midstream), congratulate the new management team of the NNPCL led by Engr. Bayo Ojulari.

    “Your assignment is a call to the service of your fatherland and I urge you to be guided by national interest in the discharge of this duty. With your wealth of experience garnered over the years and spanning critical segments of the industry value chain, I have no doubt whatsoever that the oil and gas sector is in good hands.

    “It is our expectation that you will walk your talk by improving on crude oil production to an enviable height given the revenue shortage experienced by successive governments over the years.

    Read Also: NNPCL names new senior management team

    “Given the undeniable fact that oil remains the cornerstone of our economy, no effort should be spared in making the industry operates at optimal capacity.

    “I wish you and your team success as you settle down to business in the weeks ahead.”

    The lawmaker, who represents Esan North East/Esan South East Federal Constituency in Edo State said: “The outgoing team deserves our collective applause for their service to the nation. The achievements of Kyari and his team cannot be ignored by a wave of the hand.

    “Your role in the enactment of the PIA, the resuscitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery, security of the nation’s oil and gas assets are a few of the feats we cannot forget in a hurry.

    “I wish you the best in your future endeavour.”

  • Reps committee threatens to block accounts of agencies for not honouring invitations

    Reps committee threatens to block accounts of agencies for not honouring invitations

    The House of Representatives Committee on Finance has threatened to order the Accountant General of the Federation to block the accounts of government agencies that have refused to render account of their revenue profile or remittances to the government.

    The House spoke as the Director of Finance and Account with the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria, Musa K. Jemaku, lashed out at the Office of the Accountant General for claiming that they had not paid their operating surplus for three years (2019, 2020 and 2021).

    A representative of the Office of the Accountant General, whose identity could not be ascertained last night, had said the FRC did not remit its operating surplus for 2019 (N126 million), 2020 (N143 million), and 2021 (N26) million to the government coffers.

    The official said the operating surplus for 2021 had not been fully calculated because the agency had not submitted its audited accounts for 2021.

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    Speaking at the resumed revenue monitoring of the committee yesterday, the committee’s Vice Chairman Saidu Abdullahi (APC, Niger) frowned at the refusal of some agencies to appear before the committee, despite the invitations extended to them.

    Abdullahi said out of eight agencies that were invited to appear before the committee yesterday, only two (Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria and National Health Insurance Authority) honoured the invitation.

    The lawmaker said while two others applied to be given another date, the Lagos International Trade Fair Complex, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the National Examination Council (NECO), and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) failed to either honour the invitation or communicate to them.

    Jemaku, who said the agency had paid about N800 million to the government this year, also faulted the AGF’s claim that they had only paid about N602 million to government coffers.

    He said there was a circular from the Office of the Minister of Finance for the implementation of the Finance Act 2020, adding that the circular automated the process of paying the 50 per cent deduction.

  • Reps committee threaten IOCs with arrest warrant over failure to implement CSR

    Reps committee threaten IOCs with arrest warrant over failure to implement CSR

    The House of Representatives Committees investigating the failure of multinational oil companies and other corporate entities to implement corporate social responsibility in the Niger Delta Region has threatened to invoke the constitutional powers of the parliament to order the arrest of the Chief Executive officers of the companies for undermining the House.

    The committee was angry over the non-refusal of the companies to honour its investigation, following a series of petitions accusing the companies of neglect and non-implementation of their CSR.

    Chairman of the committee, Prof. Obiageli Lilian Orogbu, who frowned at the failure of some major oil companies to attend the investigative hearing warned that the committee would not hesitate to deal with any organization that failed to respect the assignment of the investigative panel.

    She said: “The House has asked us to carry out this exercise based on the quantum of petitions from host communities against most of you and we will not take kindly with any organizations that decide to undermine this assignment.”

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    Professor Orogbu emphasised that the investigative hearing was borne out of the genuine intention of the parliament to see that corporate bodies operating in Nigeria keep to the best practices of corporate and environmental behaviours within their host communities.

    She said: “Reports at the disposal of the parliament showed that a lot of you are lagging behind in this regard.

    “We want to see a change and also ensure that what you do as a corporate social responsibility to your hosts is commensurate with the level of business you do.  Some of you observe corporate social responsibility in other countries you operate but you fail to do the same here because nobody cares.

    “We want a new Nigeria and we need you to work together with the government to rebuild this country. I know that some of you are doing quite well but there are many of you that are not responsible enough.”

    Members of the committee were also not happy that the companies that attended the hearing didn’t come with the evidences of what they had done for their host communities and for that reason, the meeting was rescheduled for another date which will be communicated to them by the secretariat.

  • We’ll make sure companies embrace CSR, Reps committee assures

    We’ll make sure companies embrace CSR, Reps committee assures

    The House of Representatives Committee of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has said it will ensure all companies operating in the country play a role in shaping an enabling environment that empowers businesses to embrace CSR as a natural extension of their core operations.

    Chairman of the Committee, Prof Lilian Orogbu, in the inaugural meeting of the committee said this would be achieved through constantly engaging all relevant stakeholders to understand the challenges and opportunities on the ground.

    She said through the engagements, they will identify best practices and develop guidelines tailored to the unique needs of the country’s diverse business landscape. 

    Orogbu added that furthermore, they will work towards streamlining CSR reporting mechanisms, ensuring transparency and accountability in all efforts undertaken by organizations.

    Read Also: Five African countries with weakest passports

    “To the Corporate business and Public institutions, it’s high time to reposition the Federal Government’s Corporate Social Responsibility policy to be in tune with best global practices. In this regard the Committee will seek partnerships with all the relevant stakeholders,International Legislative interface on improved CSR, collaboration with CSO’S/NGO’s at home and abroad, and relevant Government agencies in the fair discharge of its duties for the entire citizenry, it’s a new dawn in the Corporate Social Responsibility sector in Nigeria.

    “To achieve these goals, I am pleased to present our Committee’s comprehensive work plan for the tenure ahead. This plan is designed to guide our efforts, focusing on key areas that will enable us to fulfil our mandate effectively.

    She urged all members of the business community to embrace this call for action. 

    “CSR is not a burden, but a transformative opportunity to make a positive difference. By joining hands and working together, we can create a more equitable,sustainable, and prosperous society for all,” she said.

    “Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), as we all know, is not a new concept. It has been an integral part of many organizations’ host community development strategies for years. However, Mr Speaker, in his wisdom with the hindsight of deficit in compliance and indolent disposition by companies in Nigeria taking cognizance of the continuous multiplier effects on the rural development of the host communities, Mr Speaker and House leadership created the CSR committee with the mandate, as outlined in the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives 10th Assembly.”

  • Reps committee endorses PTAD pension verification exercise

    Reps committee endorses PTAD pension verification exercise

    The House of Representatives Committee on Pensions has endorsed the ongoing verification exercise of pensioners NITEL/Mtel by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD).

    It said the exercise was an affirmation of the quality of service being carried out by the agency.

    Chairman of the committee, Hassan Shekarau who spoke during a surprise visit to one of the venues of the ongoing verification of the NITEL/Mtel pensioners in Kano, assured the agency of continued support to ensure federal pensioners get what belongs to them.

    The legislator, who was there as part of oversight functions, also assured the House will support the Directorate to hasten budgetary process for funds to be released to pay the pensioners their entitlements.

    He advised the pensioners to be calm and exercise patience while their entitlement is being worked out.

    The Executive Secretary of PTAD, Barrister Sharon Ikeazor, told pensioners the exercise is being carried out to create a database to ensure government make adequate budgetary provision for pension payment annually.

  • Reps committee crisis worsens

    Reps committee crisis worsens

    •Another member resigns appointment

    •Dogara, Lasun defend selves before party

    Deputy Chairman of the House  of Representatives Committee on Legislative Compliance, Honourable Chika Adamu has resigned his appointment ahead of the planned inauguration of the newly constituted committees.

    He is the fourth Committee Chairman/deputy chairman to decline his appointment following widspread dissatisfaction  in the House with the constitution of the committees by Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

    The lawmaker from Niger State dropped his resignation letter on Thursday evening    hours before Dogara and  Deputy Speaker Yusuf Lasun honoured the invitation of their party, All Progressives Congress (APC) on the committees issue yesterday.

    The duo was said to have defended their action.

    Earlier in the week, House leader, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila,  who is unhappy that he and supporters were  sidelined in the constitution of the committees, had taken his case before the party leadership.

    His invitation by  party chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun was  based on an October 20, 2015 letter  protesting that he was not carried along in the committee allotment process and that the party has been relegated to the background.

    The Nation learnt that though the party is unhappy with Dogara’s actions, it could only advise him to always do the right thing in the interest of the party.

    It was gathered that Gbajabiamila and his supporters in the House may boycott the inauguration of the standing and special committees on Monday.

    A source said efforts are being made to convince  Gbajamiamila, who is wearing two caps as the leader of the APC and Majority Leader in the House,  to attend  the inauguration.

    “The thinking by the Speaker and other well meaning members in the leadership cadre, is that the absence of the Majority Leader will stimulate the impression that the House is not together as one,” one  source said.

    The resignation train was led by Deputy Minority Whip during the Seventh House and member of the APC, Garba Mohammed Datti, who resigned as Chairman, House committee on Solid Minerals Development. Sunday Adepoju (APC Oyo) followed when he  resigned as Deputy Chairman, Committee on Special Duties.

    A member from Benue State, Hassan Saleh (PDP), also  wrote  to the Speaker, announcing his rejection of the Deputy Chairmanship of the Committee on Local Content.

    In reaction to the latest round of resignations, House spokesman, Abdulrazak Namdas, said the Speaker is not relenting in his efforts to unite the House.

    Namdas, who spoke by phone from abroad said: “It is the wish of the Speaker that every member is carried along in the sharing of the committees. Unfortunately not all members will be chairmen or deputies.

    “He tried his best to ensure that all interests were taken care of but it appears a few people are still not happy. I can assure you as the leader, the Speaker will explore several ways in ensuring that there is stability.

    “To the best of my knowledge only three persons have resigned out of 192 offices. One chairman and two deputies. Datti,  Chairman on Solid Minerals, Sunday, Deputy chair, special Duties and Hassan, Deputy chair, Local Content.”

    Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Jonathan Gaza chided those who resigned, saying that they were all elected as nationalists to come and serve, and to move the country forward.

    He said: “If you are given a committee and for some reasons you feel that you cannot operate adequately in that capacity and resign, definitely someone that is equally suited will be given. What we are doing here is legislation, not for ourselves but for the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Nigeria comes first.

  • Reps question ministry’s N2.6bn warehoused in CBN, FCMB

    The House of Representatives Committee on Environment has said there is the need to overhaul the Ministry of Environment in order to stem lack of transparency and corruption.

    The committee has also questioned the ministry over a N2.6 billion domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN) and a commercial bank, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) with just few months to the end of the year, particularly when numerous contractors who have done over 60 percent of the jobs given were yet to be paid.

    Things heated up during the committee’s oversight to the ministry when a member of the committee, Hon. Pat Asadu said he was ready to shed his immunity and personally drag the ministry to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for corruption.

    According to Asadu there have been complaints and written protests and allegations that money has to be paid by contractors before their letters of contract was signed.

    He said: “The lack of transparency and level of corruption in this ministry is a shame. The money you collect from contractors ensures that projects don’t get kicked off. I am going to mention names that can be prosecuted. The companies that you select that are doing deals with you are talking to me.”

    “I will bring contractors who paid money and they will state whom they paid to,” he threatened.

    But the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Haruna Taiye, who represented the minister, debunked the allegation against the ministry. According to him, any contractor that has such claims should bring it to the fore.

    “I will like to meet one or two contractors who had this allegation. I am ready to discipline anyone that is doing that,” he said.