Reps fault agencies’ submissions in pre-shipment probe, demand fresh documents

2026-03-04 - 18:36

By Gift Chapi Odekina, Abuja ABUJA — The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating pre-shipment inspection of exports and alleged non-remittance of crude oil proceeds has expressed dissatisfaction with submissions made by key government agencies, directing them to provide updated and comprehensive documentation. Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Seyi Sowunmi, gave the directive on Wednesday at a resumed investigative hearing, asking the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) to resubmit all previously requested documents. The Committee said the materials presented were not up to date and informed the agencies that fresh dates would be communicated for their reappearance. Representing the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, Deputy Comptroller-General Caroline Diagwan explained that the Service verifies export documentation, including the Nigeria Export Proceed (NXP) form, certificate of inspection, and export permits, ensuring they tally with goods presented at the point of export. She clarified that Customs does not collect export duties in the context of crude exports and does not determine revenue paid to the government. On its part, the CBN, represented by Director Dr. Musa Nakurji on behalf of Governor Yemi Cardoso, said its role under the 1992 Pre-Shipment Inspection Act is administrative and system-driven. He noted that the NXP process is automated and handled through the Trade Monitoring System, dismissing claims of manual transmission to Customs. The Nigerian Ports Authority, represented by its General Manager, Tariff, Ibrahim Lukman, said it stations agents at export terminals to monitor activities within its jurisdiction, working in collaboration with other government agencies. NACCIMA, through its Director Dr. Emmanuel Akeh, stated that it has no role in crude oil exports, explaining that it only issues certificates of origin for non-oil exports. Sowunmi stressed that the investigation aligns with efforts to block revenue leakages and ensure accountability. “Part of the problems the President is trying to address is ensuring that every kobo accruing to the nation is properly accounted for. That is what this committee seeks to achieve,” he said. The Committee also ruled that any official appearing on behalf of an agency head must present a formal letter of authority. Lawmakers indicated that the probe would intensify as they seek clarity on operational gaps within Nigeria’s export pre-shipment framework amid concerns over crude oil revenue losses.