The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, has handed over ₦104,091,162.46 to the Niger State Government following the recovery of unremitted tax liabilities from Kiara Rice Mills Limited.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale disclosed that the recovered sum represented unpaid taxes accrued by the multi-billion-naira rice processing company, located in Kpatsuwa Village, Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State, between 2021 and 2024.
He stated that the EFCC began investigating Kiara Rice Mills after receiving credible intelligence in February indicating that the company had defaulted on remitting its full tax obligations despite operating profitably within the state.
“The act was a clear violation of both federal tax laws and Niger State revenue regulations,” Oyewale said. “Upon investigation by the Foreign Exchange Malpractice Section of the EFCC, the commission confirmed the infractions and secured full recovery of the outstanding taxes.”
During the presentation ceremony, EFCC Chairman Mr. Ola Olukoyede, represented by the Ilorin Zonal Director, Dr. Ansalem Ozioko, reiterated the commission’s mandate to ensure that all public funds are duly accounted for and returned to their rightful owners.
READ ALSO: EFCC investigates oil theft in Uyo
“The function of the EFCC is to prevent, investigate, and prosecute economic and financial crimes, recover what was stolen, and return it to the legitimate owners,” Olukoyede said. “That is exactly what we are doing here today.”
He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the EFCC and state governments to promote 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 added.
Receiving the recovered funds on behalf of the Niger State Government, Alhaji Aminu Bawa, Group Head of Tax Operations at the Niger State Internal Revenue Service, 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,” Bawa said. “This development will have a direct and positive impact on the lives of our people.”
He confirmed that the recovered amount would be credited into the state’s account and utilized for developmental projects across Niger State.
