Reps demand breakdown of ₦34tn Customs waivers, query revenue reporting

The committee also requested details of beneficiaries, the legal basis for approvals, and the economic objectives. Chairman James Faleke stated that while the Federal Government's policy of granting waivers is not opposed, the process must be transparent and subject to legislative scrutiny to ensure due process and intended economic benefits were achieved. The committee also queried inconsistencies in the Nigeria Customs Service's revenue reporting, despite the agency surpassing its annual collection targets, demanding a detailed month-by-month breakdown.

Deputy Chairman Saidu Abdullahi suggested reviewing Customs' revenue targets upward, noting their consistent over-performance. Kikelomo Adeola, Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of Finance, Administration and Technical Services, clarified that the Federal Ministry of Finance, not Customs, approves waivers, with Customs only implementing them. She also urged state governments to invest in inland dry ports to decongest seaports and accelerate cargo clearance.

Additionally, the committee scrutinized the Corporate Affairs Commission, directing it to submit comprehensive records of registered companies and reconcile ₦13.9bn in unremitted operating surplus with the Fiscal Responsibility Commission.