Reps Demand New Submissions on Pre-Shipment Inspections

The House of Representatives has initiated a probe into the pre-shipment inspection regime for crude oil and non-oil exports, expressing concerns over revenue leakage. An ad hoc committee, chaired by Seyi Sowunmi, has requested fresh submissions from the Nigerian Customs Service, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA).

The committee's investigation follows allegations of lapses in the pre-shipment inspection process and non-remittance of crude oil proceeds to the federal account. During the session, representatives from the agencies outlined their statutory responsibilities, with Deputy Comptroller General Carolin Diagwan emphasizing the Customs' role in ensuring compliance with export documentation.

The CBN's Dr. Musa Nakurji clarified the bank's administrative responsibilities regarding export documentation, while NPA's Ibrahim Lukman discussed data management in collaboration with relevant agencies. The committee aims to address the identified gaps in the export value chain and ensure accountability in revenue collection.