Reps Ask DMO to Refund N200m

Debt Management Office (DMO) has been accused of tax evasion and other financial recklessness and has been given 48-hour ultimatum to refund N200 million to the federal government.

The accusation and ultimatum were handed down by House Committee on Public Accounts which also asked the DMO to present its bank statements, including certificates and treasury receipt of all monies it has returned to government’s coffers in the last three years.

The Committee said the Audited Report of the organisation revealed some level of financial recklessness that include failure to remit N27.7 million to the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS ), Value Added Tax (VAT) as well as Withholding Tax in 2011.

Solomon Adeola, Committe chairman said the refund became imperative because Dr Abraham Nwakwo, director general  DMO, who appeared before the Committee Monday  failed to convince the lawmakers on the details of the money.

The DMO was also requested to immediately refund within 48 hours and provide evidence of payment of N152 million collected in 2011 as Service Wide Vote (SWV).

In addition, the organisation was asked to present evidence of procurement procedure of donations by the Department For International Development (DFID), as well as copies of evidence of application of funds given to DMO by the major donor agencies on yearly basis.

Adeola said reports submitted before the Committee revealed that about N30 million was collected yearly by DMO from DFID on behalf of Nigeria for capacity building without corresponding details.