Senate moves to stop waiver on rice importation

                                                       
The Senate on Thursday recalled that policy waiver of the Federal Government was a deliberate attempt to encourage agriculture in Nigeria but regretted the waiver on rice importation in the last five years because of the flagrant abuse that has caused more harm to the nation’s economy.

According to proceedings monitored, a whooping sum of N585 billion was waived between 2011 – 2015, which Senate attributed to conspiracy between Nigeria Customs and Federal Ministry of Finance.

They urged the Federal government to stop all waivers on rice and other agricultural products while mandating the Central Bank of Nigeria, Nigeria Customs and Federal Ministry of Finance to ensure recovery of all duties owed the Federal government.

The Senate President, Bukola Saraki further added that government would ensure that all necessary mechanisms were put in place to ensure that laws of the of Nigeria were respected.

Having announced the Ad-Commiittee to be headed by Senator Adams Albert from Kebbi South Senatorial District, the Senate President charged the committees to take the integrity of the Senate seriously by ensuring that federal government revenues are recovered.

More details later…