The House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise has launched a probe into the concession of the e-customs project to the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP) and Webb Fontaine’s role in the e-customs framework. However, the investigative hearing scheduled for Monday was marred by the absence of key government agency heads, drawing sharp criticism from lawmakers.
The probe aims to scrutiniSe the concession of the Nigerian Customs Service’s modernisation project to TMP, assess Webb Fontaine’s continued involvement in the e-customs system, and examine the use of modern technology for border security and illegal migration control.
Chairman of the Committee on Customs, Leke Abejide (ADC, Kogi), expressed disappointment over the failure of the Minister of Interior, Comptroller General of Customs, Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, and other stakeholders to attend the hearing. He noted that the inquiry has significant implications for improving government revenue and ensuring national security.
Lawmakers invoked Section 88 of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers the parliament to summon any individual to provide explanations.
Speaking on the issue, Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun) emphasiSed that only the Chief Executives of the agencies were equipped to provide the answers being sought.
Another member, Awaji-Inombek Abiante (PDP, Rivers), described the absence as an affront to the parliament, suggesting that it could indicate either incompetence or a lack of commitment to their roles.
He urged the committee to consider invoking its powers and recommending the removal of non-compliant agency heads if they fail to appear at the rescheduled hearing.
Abejide stated that the investigative hearing would be postponed to a date after the passage of the national budget, ensuring that the chief executives of the agencies could attend and respond to lawmakers’ inquiries.
The committee is tasked with investigating the due diligence conducted in selecting TMP to take over the e-customs processes from Webb Fontaine. Lawmakers are also set to examine what TMP has achieved since the concession, including the number of modern scanners introduced to expedite goods clearance and enhance customs efficiency.
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