Reps probes multibillion Naira Customs’ stalled project

Bola Badmus, Abuja - 21.05.2009

THE House of Representatives’ Committee on Customs is currently trying to unravel why any work on construction of Nigerian Customs and Exercise (NCE) multibillion Naira corporate headquarters, Abuja, has failed to take off since 2005 when the sum of N248.6 million was paid out for the project.

Nigerian Tribune gathered that the service paid the sum of N248,611,478.95 to one company for the design and consultancy works on the project but sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said nothing had been done in respect of the project despite the colossal amount already paid out.

The House committee on customs, headed by Honourable Yakubu Dogara, is currently probing the activities of the government agency with shocking revelations made on the alleged rot in the service.

According to findings, the Dogara-led committee is set to task officials of Customs, including some of its past comptrollers- general on where the money had gone to and whether the payment followed due process.

Besides, the Nigerian Tribune also gathered that the committee is set to unravel other consultancy fee of N64 million paid in 2005 in respect of construction of hanger project as well as another N508.1 million paid to an engineering and construction company for the construction of the aircraft hanger in Abuja.