N30trn revenue leakage: Senate quizzes 60 firms
The Senate Joint Committee on Customs and Marine Transport investigating alleged N30 trillion revenue leakages in the import and export chain yesterday began quizzing companies involved in the processes.
Addressing some of the firms invited at the session in Abuja, Chairman of the committee, Senator Hope Uzodinma (PDP, Imo), said the committee would do everything to recover the funds.
He said over 60 companies were being investigated in connection with the sleaze, adding that concerned firms would be invited in batches to the committee’s sessions.
Firms present at the meeting were CCEC Nigeria Ltd, China Export Ltd, CFAO Group, Chi Ltd, Bhojsons Ltd, Bharat Ventures Ltd, and Boulos Group.
Others were African Wire and Allied Ltd, Admiral Overseas Nigeria Ltd, CKS International Ltd, Abyem-Diva International Ltd and Aarti Steel Nigeria Ltd.
Decrying the level of complicity in the import and export value chain in the country, the lawmaker said that the National Assembly would ensure that measures were taken to stop corruption in the country.
On insinuations that the committee refused to work on the budget of the Nigeria Ports Authority (NPA), the lawmaker said it was a non-issue.
“I don’t want to join issues on the pages of newspapers discussing my official assignment.
“This is a joint committee mandated by Senate to investigate revenue leakages and so far we have done very well.
“All I can say is that the management of the NPA has been confronted with some allegations and they are duty bound to defend them and say what they know. What they don’t know they should say they don’t know,’’ he said. (NAN)