Reps probe alleged N21bn rice levy evasion scam

Members of the House of Representatives yesterday summoned the Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwumi  Adeshina and others over alleged N21billion rice importation tax evasion scam.

The ministers and 25 rice importers were summoned to explain to the lawmakers how over N21billion tax was evaded despite the provision of subsidy by the Federal Government to the importers.

“The whole exercise was grossly abused by the importers and laced with fraud.

“We’ll unravel those government officials who aided these economic saboteurs and ensure that all the tax they cornered is returned to government coffers.

“The adhoc committee set up by the House will also ensure that they are speedily prosecuted,” a source at the National Assembly stated.

Nigeria Customs Service was also summoned to make available necessary statistics at the hearing.



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