The Speaker of the House of Representatives says revenue generation is crucial to the nation’s economic growth and should be treated with utmost attention.
This is as its Joint Committee on Maritime Administration, Education and Safety Agency and Legislative Compliance commences probe into the alleged non-payment of 10% freight levies to the Nigeria Export Promotion Council by the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA.
The Speaker of the House, Abbas Tajudeen expresses displeasure over what he calls the persistent disregard of the parliament by government appointees, particularly as regards its oversight functions.
Represented by the House Leader, the speaker said the tendency by ministries and agencies of the federal government to decline invitations extended to them by the House Committees is very embarrassing.
He emphasised the significance of revenue generation to the nation’s economy.
Meanwhile, the Joint Committee calls for for greater collaboration of the ministries and agencies of the federal government in the discharge of its mandates.
The Chairman of the Committee, Ahmed Munir says the essence of the public hearing is to find solution to the issue of non-payment of 10% freight levies to the Nigeria Export Promotion Council by NIMASA.
NEPC accuses NIMASA of defaulting over the years in the payment of the mandatory 10% of its freight levies to the agency as stipulated by law.
But NIMASA disagrees.
It insists there is no provision in the NIMASA establishment Act that approves the payment of 10% freight levies to the NEPC.