Reps to probe Destination Inspection contract

By The Citizen

Federal House of Representative is set to probe the Destination Inspection contract between the federal government and the three service providers, Cotecna Destination Nigeria Limited, SGS and Global Scansystems.

It was gathered that the leadership of the House set up a committee to probe the contract following the recent controversy which resulted in its extension.

The committee Vanguard learnt, is charged with the responsibility of critically examining the contract in its entirety and issue surrounding clauses leading to the hand over of the scanning function to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).

When contacted, Chairman of one of House Committee, confirmed the setting up of the committee, but however declined to give any details.

Aminu Mohammed, who is the head of Customer Relations of Cotecna told Vanguard when contacted that they have not received any letter from the House informing them of the said probe, although he has heard about it.

Mohammed told our Correspondent that the House Committee on Customs recently visited all the scanning sites of the three service providers, adding that nothing was mentioned about any probe was mention.

He said the committee was satisfied with what they saw after the touring. He noted that members of the Committee of Customs did not mention anything about the said probe. When asked if there is need for concern on their part should the Committee commence work, Mohammed who was initially reluctant to react, said that they have met and even surpassed all the terms of the contract entered into with the federal government.

Chief Executive Officer of Global Scansystems, Mr. Fred N. Udechukwu, on his part told Vanguard that they are not aware of any such probe but assured that they have met and surpassed what they were asked to do.

Udechukwu who said they will be waiting for the invitation, further explained that but for their intervention on the first of January, there would have been chaos if they had closed shop like others did.

He pointed out that they did what they have to do because they are Nigerians who have the interest of the nation at heart.

Efforts to get the reaction of SGS Scanning Nigeria Limited proved abortive, as they would not respond to requires to them on the issue. When Vanguard called SGS office, an official of the company said the Managing Director, Mr. Nigel Balchin, who is the only one who could respond is out of town. (Vanguard)