Reps comittee recovers N400m from import duty waiver fraud

The House of Representatives Committee on Customs has disclosed that indicted firms that abused the import duty waiver granted them by the federal government have paid over N400million into the federation account as duty paid for imports not covered by the waiver.

Chairman of the House Committee, James Abiodun Faleke made this disclosure at the 2018 budget defense session held by the committee with the management of the Nigerian Customs Service led by its Comptroller General, Col. Hameed Ali (rtd).

 Faleke said that in fulfilling its constitutional role, the House committee decided to go after companies that abused import duty waivers granted them by government and in the process denying the government legitimate revenue on imported items not covered by the waiver.

He said that the indicted firms upon appearing before the House committee at an investigative hearing admitted their guilt and agreed to pay the duty on the imported items.

“As you can see, we are not only concerned about how appropriated funds are utilized, but we are backing the government’s anti-corruption war by action of our own.

“We’ve gone out of our way to be revenue earners for the government and l can confidently inform you that companies that abused import duty waivers granted them have paid over N400million into government coffers.

“So this committee is notifying you that when we seek information on how this fraud and abuse was perpetrated, including those customs officials who assisted them in this crime, your office will assist us with all the useful documents,” Faleke stated.

He further revealed that the House committee recovered the said N400million in two months, adding that only three indicted companies have paid monies into the federation account so far.

According to him, the committee has summoned an additional 41 companies to appear before the House committee in relation to the import duty waiver abuse.

Among the companies summoned are Dana Air and Bristol Helicopters.

Before the current revelation, Faleke had disclosed that 29 firms involved in the import duty scam have earlier been summoned to appear before the committee, to enable them clear the charges against them or face the wrath of the law.

He warned that all the companies invited are expected to appear on the date allotted to them unfailingly or risk sanctions by the House committee.

Some of the companies the House committee summoned then in connection with the alleged import duty waiver fraud are Seaview Emporium Limited, Pancham International Limited, Alfatek Integrated Ventures, Verona Industries Limited, Vital Products Limited, Odun & Remy Trading Company, Mac Resolute Service Limited, Viscous Global Investment Limited and Fadobra Ventures Limited.

Others include, China Homes and Office Equipment, Links World Redemption Enterprises, SCC Nigeria Limited, J.I. Ejison International Nigeria Limited, Tak Continental Limited, Metal African Steel Products Limited, Sunshine Guest House & Hotel Limited, Elim Top Suite Limited, Noktel Resort Hotel, Naks Hotels & Tower Limited, Luxurium Leisure Service and Chelsea Hotel.

Also summoned by the committee are Vinimo, Hotel Dabras, Skills Suites, Amassco Limited, Cynergy Suites Limited, Olam Group, News Engineering Limited, Diamond Star Port & Terminals Limited, Rite Aid Wire Industries Limited and Amioun Steel Limited.