Customs Loses N1.3 Trillion; Senate Investigates Buhari’s Waivers

In a startling revelation at a National Assembly hearing on Wednesday, the Nigeria Customs Service disclosed a staggering loss of N1.3 trillion in 2023 attributed to waivers and concessions granted by President Buhari’s administration. The revelation, made by Deputy Comptroller General Mba Musa on behalf of Comptroller General Adewale Adeniyi, raised concerns about the impact on national revenue.

During the hearing, senators probed the Customs CG about the undisclosed details of the $3.2 billion Customs modernization project, known as e-customs. Despite a court order restraining the Federal Government, the project received approval from the Federal Executive Council in April 2023.

The Customs modernization project was awarded to Bergman Securities Consultant and Suppliers Limited, Africa Finance Corporation UFC, and Huawei Technologies. However, stakeholders criticized the initiative, expressing fears that it could compromise the service’s future and national security.

Addressing the Senate joint panel, Mba emphasized the lack of transparency, stating, “We are not privy to details of the Nigeria Customs Modernisation Project agreement.” He further explained that the Customs Service could have contributed more to the nation’s Consolidated Revenue Fund in 2023 if not for the granted waivers and concessions.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the situation, Senator Musa, the Chairman of the Joint Committee, announced the Senate’s intention to investigate the widespread granting of waivers and concessions. He asserted, “By now, we shouldn’t be talking about concessions for cement manufacturers or sugar importation. We should not deny ourselves revenues that we should generate to make our economy vibrant.”

Musa concluded by stating that the Senate would review the waivers and present recommendations, emphasizing the need for the Customs Service to meet its projected revenue targets without relying on extensive concessions.