The Senate Public Account Committee has initiated an investigation into the alleged under-remittance of N62 billion by the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) as disclosed in the 2017 Auditor General Report. 

The report, currently under review by the committee chaired by Senator Ahmed Wadada, raised concerns over the disparity between the NCS’s reported total collection of N691 billion for the federation account and the actual remittance of N629 billion into the account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The committee has given the Customs Service a two-week ultimatum to provide a defense against the accusation of under-remittance.

In a related development, the Senate has mandated the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to appear before the committee concerning a $852 million debt by operators. Senator Wadadaemphasized that the committee’s objective is not to witch-hunt but to address discrepancies highlighted in the Auditor General’s report, urging corrective measures to improve the system. 

The NPA, found wanting in both the Auditor General’s annual report and a status enquiry, is expected to address queries related to indebtedness of terminal operators, outstanding estate rent, shipping dues, service boats, and other issues within 48 hours.

The Senate committee expressed concern over the absence of top NPA management during the scheduled appearance, noting that a General Manager was sent in their stead. The outstanding debts and financial discrepancies, totaling almost a billion dollars, underscore the need for transparency and accountability within the Nigerian Customs Service and the Nigerian Ports Authority.