The House of Representatives Committee on Customs and Excise on Monday expressed displeasure over the refusal of heads of key government agencies to appear for an investigative hearing on the operations of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the management of Nigeria’s borders.
The hearing, which was jointly convened by the Committees on Customs and Excise and Interior, sought to examine the modernisation of the Nigeria Customs Service (e-Customs) and the role of Webb Fontaine in the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP).
The investigation also aimed to address issues related to illegal migration and border security through the adoption of modern technology.

While it was reported that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, was out of the country and unable to attend, no explanation was provided for the absence of the Comptroller General of Customs and the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service.
Expressing his frustration, Committee member Olumide Osoba (APC, Ogun) reminded the session that Section 88 of the Nigerian Constitution empowers the parliament to summon individuals, particularly chief executives of government agencies, to provide explanations.
He emphasized that representatives sent in place of the agency heads could not adequately address the lawmakers’ concerns.
Similarly, Awaji-Inombek Abiante (PDP, Rivers) described the absence of the agency heads as an affront to the parliament.
He warned that if the officials fail to appear on the next adjourned date, the parliament would invoke its constitutional powers to recommend their removal from office.
“Their refusal to honour the invitation suggests they are either tired of their jobs or incapable of fulfilling their duties,” Abiante stated.
Chairman of the House Committee on Customs, Leke Abejide (ADC, Kogi), lamented the delay caused by the non-appearance of the officials, noting that the investigative hearing covers critical issues, including improving government revenue and ensuring national security.
He announced that the session would be rescheduled to a date after the passage of the national budget, to ensure the availability of the agency heads.
The Committees are investigating the concession of the NCS operations to the Trade Modernisation Project (TMP), including the transition of the e-Customs process from Webb Fontaine to TMP.
Lawmakers are also probing the due diligence conducted in the selection of TMP, the introduction of modern scanners, and efforts to enhance efficiency in goods clearing processes.
The parliament’s decision to reschedule the hearing underscores the importance of holding government officials accountable in the implementation of critical reforms in customs operations and border security management.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate