Many fraudulent marketers who collected fuel subsidues in 2011 may be compelled to make “a huge refund” to the Federal Government, according to preliminary findings by the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Subsidy Regime.

This is in addition to recommending that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission should prosecute such marketers for “fraudulent practices along with their collaborators in government agencies.”

Investigations by THE PUNCH have shown that the committee had already identified some fuel contractors who allegedly made bogus claims as subsidies but could hardly convince members that they brought any products into the country.

A source in the committee headed by Mr. Farouk Lawan told our correspondent in Abuja that “fraudulent transactions took place in 2011, all in a bid to make subsidy claims on petroleum products.”

The source added, “From our preliminary findings, it is clear that the committee can safely draw certain conclusions.

“Some fuel contractors have been identified to have clearly short-changed the Nigerian people.

“They worked with identifiable collaborators in government agencies charged with the responsibility of managing the sector on behalf of the people.

“There are false claims which have not been backed with enough evidence. From our preliminary findings, we can say, yes, some persons have questions to answer.”

It was learnt that using the evidence before it, the committee was drawing the conclusion that the “books were doctored” to pave the way for subsidy claims on products that were either diverted or not intended to be delivered in Nigeria.

Lawmakers were said to be alarmed that in spite of taking submissions from the various government ministries and agencies that played a role in the transactions, there were still conflicting figures on the quantity of products consumed in the country.

beaf roast:

@GeneralGEJ,
i dey feel you die.

GeneralGEJ:

it seems out of all the mumu Nigerians  - only u get sense - Ok i will appoint u as minister  - which post u fit handle

FRESH air for life.