N4.5trn contract: Reps threaten to arrest Okonjo-Iweala


* Summon her to appear today or ,

The probe panel set up by the House of Representatives probing the bogus contract of N4.5trn awarded to Single Window Systems and Technology (SWST) has summoned finance minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to appear before it today or face arrest. The panel also yesterday vetoed President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to suspend the multi-billion naira concession agreement between the Ministry of Finance and a revenue facilitation company, Single Window Systems and Technology (SWST), which would have led to Nigeria loosing N4.5trn.

Following the motion adopted by the House on the matter and the probe initiated, the President had ordered the minister, Dr. Okonjo- Iweala, to immediately suspend the agreement, look into the processes that led to the award and address the important questions raised by the House. The minister, in a letter titled Re: Single window concession,” dated September 12, 2011, told the committee that “by the leave of Mr. President, I have suspended the single window project in deference to the concern of the National Assembly. “Mr. President had asked me to look into the processes that led to the award with the view to review the important issues raised by your committee. I will refer to you in due course with the outcome of this inquiry.”

The Chairman of the committee, Mr. Leo Ogor, who expressed displeasure over the moves by officials of ministry to stall the probe, however, directed Okonjo-Iweala, to appear before the committee today or face arrest. Ogor said the probe must continue and that all relevant information must be presented to it not minding the internal action taken by the ministry. He said: “The National Assembly is a separate arm of government with its clear responsibility and resolution of the House.

“The Minister of Finance has refused to appear before this committee as far as we are concerned. An investigation by the ministry of finance will in no way deter this House from carrying out its own constitutional responsibility. “I am, therefore, resting on the Nigerian constitution sub-section 88 and 89, to summon the honourable minister that she must appear before this committee to clear decision on the audacity and process that led to this particular award of this contract.

“We lay emphasis on due process, whatever investigation they carry out in the ministry is their own internal business. It is important that she must appear before this committee tomorrow (Tuesday) 12 noon unfailingly. “In the course of this public hearing, the report will be sent to this ministry so that they can appreciate the cost implication that we bear as a committee. The procedure is continuous; we will take all the people that are coming into this hearing today. ``An investigation by the minister of finance will no way deter the House from carrying out its constitutional responsibility.

“I am, therefore, directing by the clear provisions of sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 constitution summoning the minister that she must appear before this committee to give clear position in respect of the modalities and process that led to this particular award.” The Comptroller of the Customs Service in charge of ASYCUDA, Mr. Azarema Abdulkadir, said that the service was not involved in the concession agreement. He said that the service only received a letter dated May 24, 2010 asking it to cooperate with the company. “The service was informed by the ministry of finance that a concession agreement had been entered into between the Federal Government and Single Window Systems Technology Ltd.’

He said that the service trained more than 8,000 officers to take over the implementation of the project at the expiration of the agreement in 2012. The spurious contract was unilaterally awarded by Federal Ministry of Finance on behalf of Nigeria Custom Service (NCS) to the company registered in June 2010 with N1m share capital. The controversy surrounding the award is that the ministry had in mid- June 2009 given a letter of intent to a non-existing company as consultant and later re- awarded the multibillion naira contract for the implementation of the ASYCUDA project.

The company was registered by Mohammed Kaoje, 35 years old who owns 60 percent share; Ahmed Bello, the son of the former Comptroller- General of NCS and director of the company owns 25 percent share capital and an Ethiopian/British citizen.


http://nationalmirroronline.net/news/20467.html

See how fast they got her but they cannot go after the likes of OBJ, Kalu, etc.

She might be guilty, but quickness of this "threat" is very fishy.

For the avoidance of doubt and for those who cannot read; this contract was awarded in June 2009 to an unregistered company, which later got registered in 2010.

Okonjo Iweala has been summoned because it was awarded by her ministry, eventhough she was not in charge at the time.

NASS is really silly though, cos I doubt that she is able to provide any answers without carrying out investigations. Talk about playing to the gallery.

Guys , this is serious. When will Nigerians begin to see what must be seen? Is it not obvious that cynically hijacking Government/political processes is all some have dedicated themselves to doing i.e the PDP? Is it then not comical we expect those same people to deliver Nigeria from wretched underdevelopment?

This should not be happening today i.e the Ministry of finance selling Nigeria into bondage for the next 15-20 years to an untraceable conduit Company most likely birthed to aid corruption. Our leaders prefer to empower their own inept conduits that makes them filthy rich yet , to the detriment of Nigeria,  impoverishes and underdevelops the nation in every sense.

He also alleged that the SWST was not known anywhere beyond its office accommodation at Asokoro district of Abuja and that the contractual agreement was in absolute secrecy and in violation of the Public Procurement Act.

The contract under probe requires that for the next 15 to 20 years, Single Window Systems and Technology Limited, will operate a new National Single Window platform - a crucial technology-based import and export documentation services which already exists and for which the government had spent N300 billion

http://tribune.com.ng/index.php/news/27774-finance-ministry-stalls-reps-probe-of-illegal-concession-agreement

Finance Ministry stalls Reps’ probe of illegal concession agreement

Written by Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel, Abuja
Tuesday, 06 September 2011


The public hearing put in place by the 12-member ad hoc committee of the House of Representatives set up  to probe the alleged illegal concession agreement between Single Window System Technology (SWST) and the Ministry of Finance started on a shaky note on Monday due to the inability of the ministry to furnish the committee with necessary   papers on the alleged illegal contract.

The decision by the House to probe the illegal concession was sequel to a motion moved by former chairman of House Committee on Customs, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, who alleged that the agreement entailed SWST to collect import duties on behalf of the Nigerian Customs Service contrary to the provisions of the Public Procurement Act.

The motion was titled, “Illegal Concession Agreement between the Federal Ministry of Finance and Single Window Systems and Technology Limited signed in absolute secrecy during the government transition period.”

Honourable Dogara had said, “the new concession of one per cent Freight on Board (FOB) on imports will be charged Nigerian traders for an initial term of 15 years extensible to 20 years, and the projected 10 per cent annual trade increase, would bring disproportionate revenues to the concessionaries in the region of $30 billion.”

He also alleged that the SWST was not known anywhere beyond its office accommodation at Asokoro district of Abuja and that the contractual agreement was in absolute secrecy and in violation of the Public Procurement Act.

The contract under probe requires that for the next 15 to 20 years, Single Window Systems and Technology Limited, will operate a new National Single Window platform - a crucial technology-based import and export documentation services which already exists and for which the government had spent N300 billion.

The five-day public hearing to probe the alleged illegal concession agreement which kick-started on Monday was, however, postponed till September 12 to allow the Ministry of Finance provide the needed contract papers that will guide the committee in carrying out its work.

This woman is risking getting burnt playing with fire.Though not that world bank reputation is clear cut but nigeria system is literally pure gangsterism and it takes a determined gangster to be in the caucus.

Well this will be test of her character. I like to see how this play out. Fingers crossed, mouth

redsun:

This woman is risking getting burnt playing with fire.Though not that world bank reputation is clear cut[b] but nigeria system is literally pure gangsterism and it takes a determined gangster to be in the caucus.[/b]

You are totally correct. The report below makes it clear that Government tried to kill the lower house probe by abrubtly announcing the "immediate" suspension of the concession agreement. Okonjo Iweala must be careful dealing with those who pretend to empower her yet are the same ones dancing with the saboteurs. It would be good if the House can trace and announce the ownership of the firm in question. I am 100% sure it will be the 'usual suspects' ala the Tony Anenihs of the World. This is the sort of thing that should interest Nigerians deeply but, as usual, we rather fight along ethnic lines. It should concern us that the comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs was not aware of this . Everyone is feigning ignorance including the AGF. Really sad indictment of how Nigeria is run as a private candy store for the ruling Government where 'insiders' can literally take what they want freely.

http://www.guardiannewsngr.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=60911:confusion-over-pact-on-single-window-clearing-at-ports&catid=1:national&Itemid=559

Confusion over pact on single window clearing at ports .
Tuesday, 13 September 2011 00:00 By David Ogah (lagos), Mathias Okwe, Azimazi Momoh Jimoh and Emeka Anuforo (Abuja) .


Okonjo-Iweala suspends pact, Adoke disowns deal

Reps panel summons finance minister

Customs alleges non-inclusion in scheme

THE investigation of a single window goods clearing at the nation’s gateways by the House of Representatives yesterday took a dramatic twist as the Federal Government abruptly announced the immediate suspension of the concession agreement.

But the House Ad-hoc Committee probing the alleged irregularities in the concession agreement between the Federal Ministry of Finance and a Single Window System firm, insisted that its investigation would not stop despite the decision to suspend the agreement.

The single window system “is a trade facilitation idea, which enables international (cross-border) traders to submit regulatory documents at a single location and/or single entity. Such documents are typically customs declarations, applications for import/export permits, and other supporting documents such as certificates of origin and trading invoices.

“The main value proposition for having a single window for a country or economy is to increase the efficiency through time and cost savings for traders in their dealings with various government authorities for obtaining the relevant clearance and permit(s) for moving cargoes across national or economic borders.

“In essence, it is a facility that allows parties involved in trade and transport to lodge standardised information and documents with a single entry point to fulfill all import, export, and transit-related regulatory requirements.”

At the resumed public hearing on the matter at the National Assembly, the panel frowned at the absence of the Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and invoked sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution to summon her to appear before it today.

Its Chairman, Leo Ogor, who read the letter sent by Okonjo-Iweala to announce the suspension of the concession agreement, stated that the letter would not stop the panel from investigating the deal.

Titled: “Re: Single window concession,” the letter, dated September 12, 2011 and signed by the Finance Minister read: “I want to apologise for my inability to attend the last public hearing on the above. I would like to inform you that by the leave of Mr. President, I have suspended the Single Window Project in deference to the concerns of the National Assembly.

“Mr. President has asked me to look into the processes that led to the award with a view to addressing the important issues raised by your committee. I will revert to you in due course with the outcome of this enquiry. Thank you for your understanding.”

Reacting to the letter, the Deputy Leader insisted that the House will not be deterred from carrying out its responsibility as a parliament. His words: “On this issue we are not going back so long as it is in the interest of the nation. This exercise is about national interest. At the end, we will make the system work.’’

He said the National Assembly is a separate arm of government with its responsibility and resolution of the House. “The Minister of Finance has refused to appear before this committee as far as we are concerned. An investigation by the Ministry of Finance will in no way deter this House from carrying out its own constitutional responsibility. I am therefore resting on sub-sections 88 and 89 of the Nigerian Constitution to summon the minister to appear before this committee to explain the process that led to award of this contract.

“We lay emphasis on due process…whatever investigation they carry out in the ministry is their internal business. It is important that she appears before this committee tomorrow (today) at noon unfailingly.”

Members of the committee insisted that the suspension of the contract by the ministry was untimely and immaterial to the House probe.

Also, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Muhammed Bello Adoke (SAN) denied knowledge of the transaction, pointing out that the document was unknown to his office.

Represented by Mrs. Chidinma Ukelonu, Adoke said: “The office does not have the document. So, there is nothing we can say about it at the moment. It is true that the agreement ought to have been routed through the Federal Ministry of Justice.”

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nde Dikko, told the committee that the agency was not carried along in the conception and execution of the concession.

Represented by AbdulKadir Azaerema, the Customs boss said: “The Service only got notification about the agreement between the Federal Government and the Single Window Systems and Technology Limited through an official document that the company has been appointed to handle the single window operation.”

Dikko presented documents to show the preparation, which the Service had already made towards the attainment of the single window system for the country.”

He stated that the NCS has the capacity to handle the project, pointing out that over 8,000 officials had been trained for the implementation of the project under the modernisation of Nigeria Customs, which started since 1999.

Looks like a former customs boss wants to continue his corrupt ways hence awarding a bogus contract to a company in which his son owns a good percentage.

EXPECT MORE FROM THIS CORRUPTED SOCIETY
but i tell you, okonjo iweala will suppress them all

otokx:

Looks like a former customs boss wants to continue his corrupt ways hence awarding a bogus contract to a company in which his son owns a good percentage.

My brother, that is how they want to "rule Nigeria forever" according to the new PDP Chairman. This is what the struggle for power really boils down to . I.e the effort to control Nigeria's resources directly and have total discretion over the offices that allow these sort of deleterious and ruinous practices  to continue. This is why I laugh when anyone can insincerely surmise that a single 7 year tenure will make political office less attractive , to the wrong sort of individuals,  when rewards are still so mind-boggling and punishment for misconduct still a big fat zero.

We are not seeing the fundamental reforms we all know will reverse these trends. Instead all we see is the GEJ Govenrment totally encouraging the old ways of doing things. "Fresh air" indeed !!!!

Maybe I missed it, but where did it say the minister will be arrested

http://swstlimited.com/

Single Window Systems and Technology (SWST)

nigeria needs a revolution

No Revolution will yield much good until Nigerian people abandon sycophancy.

naijaking1:

Maybe I missed it, but where did it say the minister will be arrested

The probe panel set up by the House of Representatives probing the bogus contract of N4.5trn awarded to Single Window Systems and Technology (SWST) has summoned finance minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to appear before it today or face arrest. The panel also yesterday vetoed President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to suspend the multi-billion naira concession agreement between the Ministry of Finance and a revenue facilitation company, Single Window Systems and Technology (SWST), which would have led to Nigeria loosing N4.5trn.

Kobojunkie:

http://swstlimited.com/

Single Window Systems and Technology (SWST)

Surprise, surprise !!!! "Under construction" . What a sad joke if this is indeed the Company in question . Absolutely tragic . Nigeria which way ? the 'recipient' of a Government concession worth trillions over 15-20 year does not have a working website? I ask again: Nigeria which way? Why are our leaders so wickedly greedy to the extent of inhumanity?

Ghana, for example, has Vodafone providing excellent services I can personally vouch for yet Nigerians , despite having a market more attractive than most in Africa, have to contend with conduits of our leaders (like Bi-Courtney) stinking up the join with innate incompetence and corruption. This myopic self-destructiveness is tiring . It is what , for example, has seen our Police Force decimated to the extent that it is near useless against organised crime. Failed Nation? I must admit, for the first time , maybe.

Beaf!:

The probe panel set up by the House of Representatives probing the bogus contract of N4.5trn awarded to Single Window Systems and Technology (SWST) has summoned finance minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to appear before it today or face arrest. The panel also yesterday vetoed President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to suspend the multi-billion naira concession agreement between the Ministry of Finance and a revenue facilitation company, Single Window Systems and Technology (SWST), which would have led to Nigeria loosing N4.5trn.

Thank you.

I like to see how Ngozi handles this one. It seems some aspect of the contract was awarded before her second coming. I hope nobody plays politics with this, and get to the bottom of it.
BTW, I'm not surprised many things are going to come up, after all it's where the money is---ministry of finance

[size=18pt]hahaha!  All dis bru ha ha becos Aunty Ngozi decided to address three big corruption cases. Now dey are trying all possible best to mar her reputation and blackmail her to drop the cases or even force her out of Office.

Loser have failed, like they failed to prevent her return to Nigeria. Those three big corruption cases will be executed.[/size]

Kobojunkie:

http://swstlimited.com/

Single Window Systems and Technology (SWST)

UNDER CONSTRUCTION!

A company that will handle potentially Trillions of Naira has no websites, no director names, no contact, zilch nothing!

Even my good brother Seun Osewa, with the small small kobo we are making, we get like 3 websites, we get Facebook, we get twitter, we even get face.

Choi! Naija na market, but na only PDP open shop dey sell for dia.

okonjo iweala! okonjo iweala!! okonjo iweala!!! how many times did i call u?
do not say i did not warn u. STAY AWAY FROM THESE CRIMINALS(PDP). one thing is very clear in my mind - they(pdp) will stop at nothing to make sure they dent ur image. okonjo iwela, be careful while dealing with these thieves.

is she the one that signed the contract ?

Dora was warned, she failed to listen. By the time they finished with her, she wasn't good enough for PDP again. I hope Ngozi opens her eyes and ears quick enough. Im not sure she learnt anything from the OBJ episode who used her and then dumped her in foreign affairs ministry.

Only a few days ago, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, vowed to tackle corruption in her ministry, saying the move would help the ministry to effectively deliver on its mandate. Shortly thereafter, an allegation of corruption involving a $50million contract to her brother;s company suffaced, today, we have a threat of her arrest due to potential obstuction of justice!!

Would somebody tell me what's a guan??

I was a believer of Nigeria-will-be-great to the extent my friends called me Mr Nigeria. That was then. I have kissed that nonsense goodbye in my life. Nigeria is a rotten den of hopelessness. We need to violently shaken up this country and dislodge all the corrupts and corruptness including their masterminds.

RIP Nigeria.

ndu_chucks:

Only a few days ago, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, vowed to tackle corruption in her ministry, saying the move would help the ministry to effectively deliver on its mandate. Shortly thereafter, an allegation of corruption involving a $50million contract to her brother;s company suffaced, today, we have a threat of her arrest due to potential obstuction of justice!!

Would somebody tell me what's a guan??

Whats a guan?? Lets see; This horrible contract was AWARDED IN 2009 to a company that was officially incorporated in 2010!!! So who was the president and finance minister then? Thats how you get to the 'whats guan' contriman.

am waiting for the outcome of this and if Okonjo is guilty then no one to trust again in Nigeria

Charity begins at home. Personally I am not carried away by all the big talk by these world bank technocrats because the policies of the world bank and IMF have out Nigeria in the state in which we are in today.

Since Madam Okonjo resumed office, why did she not take a look at that spurious contract and several others that had been awarded by the ministry she now supercedes?

If she wants to fight corruption, she should start in-house. That ministry of hers and the parastatal called Customs that it oversees is a cesspool. Kudos to the House Committee please! In fact, I want them to put her under real pressure from the get-go.

Those NASS comedians; what will it take to sack 'em all!

mekaboy:

CORRUPT POLITICIANS TRYING SO HARD TO STOP THIS WOMAN FROM WORKING, BECAUSE SHE MENTIONED THAT SHE WILL FIGHT CORRUPTION THEY WANT TO ATTACK FIRST, SO WHILE SHE IS ANSWERING FOR A CONTRACT SHE DID NOT AWARD THEY CAN HAVE TIME TO CLEAR THEIR MESS- THEY WILL ALL BE EXPOSED.

you either dance to their tune or get thrown out.
GEJ is already dancing to their tune, that is why he appears to be clueless. He doesn't want to lose his own share of the national cake.

How come reps just discovered a problem with the contract now

maybe i missed something but this contract was awarded before Mrs Okonjo resumed work. and according to the report, she was still carrying out investigation into the award of the contract being that she was not the one that awarded the contract. is she not supposed to gather her facts together so that when she comes to the  panel she will be able to present fact and figures? i dont understand the speed at which the panel wants her to appear before them. is she not supposed to be given adequate time or an ultimatum after which the panel can start talking tough and finally heaping legal brimstones on her. this is just a case of someone in your family commits a crime and you get quizzed about it and finally gets arrested. just my opinion.

bashy_demy:

am waiting for the outcome of this and if Okonjo is guilty then no one to trust again in Nigeria

guilty of what, was she the one who awarded the contract, the contracted wasn't awarded during her tenure