The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over ₦104,091,162.46 to the Niger State government.

Its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said in a statement on Thursday that the official handover took place on Wednesday at the EFCC’s Office in Ilorin.

Mr Oyewale said the development was sequel to the successful recovery of the funds from Kiara Rice Mills Limited in Kpatsuwa village, Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State.

”The recovered sum represents the company’s unremitted tax liabilities accrued between 2021 and 2024.

”The commission, in February, received intelligence indicating that the multi-billion-naira company had failed to remit its full tax obligations, in spite of operating profitably within the state,” Mr Oyewale said.

He said the act was a clear violation of both federal tax laws and Niger State revenue regulations.

”Upon investigation by the foreign exchange malpractice section of the EFCC, the commission confirmed the infractions and secured full recovery of the outstanding taxes,” Mr Oyewale said.

Speaking during the presentation ceremony, the EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, reaffirmed the commission’s resolve to ensure that public funds are duly accounted for and returned to legitimate owners.

He was represented by the Ilorin zonal director, commander of the EFCC, Ansalem Ozioko.

Mr Olukoyede called for sustained collaboration between the Niger government and the EFCC, emphasising the need for transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance.

“We urge you to continue partnering with the commission and to be ambassadors of the EFCC by reporting any act that fails the integrity test,” he said.

Aminu Bawa, group head of tax operations at the Niger State Internal Revenue Service, received the fund on behalf of the Niger government.

Mr Bawa commended the EFCC for its diligence and professionalism.

“On behalf of the Niger State government, I wish to express our sincere appreciation to the commission for this commendable recovery effort.

”This development will have a direct and positive impact on the lives of our people,” he said.

He said the recovered sum would be credited into the state government’s account and deployed for developmental projects across Niger State.

(NAN)