The Federal House of Representatives on Wednesday mandated its Committee on Customs and Excise to embark on a thorough investigation into the award of N275bn Destination Inspection Scheme (DIS) contracts awarded to four foreign firms.
The indicted firms are Cotecna Destination Inspection Ltd, SGS Scanning Nigeria Ltd, Global Scan Systems Ltd. and Webb Fountain (Nigeria) Ltd.
The terms of the contract include provision of scanning services, risk management techniques, electronic platform at various ports and borders in Nigeria; building, equipping, training and transfer of technology and expertise to the Nigerian Customs Service and full handover of their functions seamlessly to them at the end of December 2012.
The resolution was reached after the debate on a motion sponsored by Abimbola Daramola during the plenary session.
While ruling on the motion, which was overwhelmingly supported by other lawmakers, Deputy Speaker, Emeka Ihedioha directed the committee to revert to the House within two weeks.
Daramola called for the intervention of the House, noting that the contract may result into loss of over $1bn revenue if not checked. He stressed the need to prevent continued loss of revenue through ports inspection contracts.
He noted that the Minister of Finance and the management of the Nigerian Customs Service in conjunction with the service providers curiously announced an extension of the contract for a period of six months without due process and against the overall interest of the country.
Daramola kicked against the arrangement, adding that the sum of N21bn would be paid to the service providers irrespective of the quality of work and without handing over to the NCS or making Nigerians the dominant players after so many years.
