An inter-agency committee set up on the recovery of debts owed to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has urged for strict implementation of relevant laws banning recalcitrant debtors from doing government contracts.
The AMCON Act had provided for the exclusion of such recalcitrant debtors from accessing government contracts and projects except with due diligence clearance from AMCON.
Members of the Committee led by, Bolaji Owasonoye, the chairman who also doubles as chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission stated this while submitting its Interim Report to Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa.
Laolu Akande, senior special assistant to the President on the Media & Publicity Office of the Vice President, revealed in a statement that Osinbajo assured that the government would review it and act accordingly.
Osinbajo observed that the issue of AMCON debtors doing further business with government agencies is a due diligence matter and there would have to be compliance with the requirements of the law.
Specifically, the Committee has proposed an advisory to the Federal Government that going forward, “all AMCON debtors must not be allowed to transact business or enjoy patronage with any government agency whatsoever, except clearance is obtained from AMCON on the debt status of such obligors,”
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The Committee revealed that “between 2020 and 2021, AMCON made significant recoveries which is highlighted in the report. Within the period under review, AMCON witnessed 10% growth in the recovery performance across various asset classes.
“For instance, in the year, 2020, the sum of N146 Billion was recovered, while in 2021 the sum of N161 Billion was also recovered. The recovery outlook for 2022 is also looking positive and the Committee will not relent in its effort in engendering more recoveries.”
“The Committee will continue its assignment with the institution of bankruptcy proceedings, tax infraction, inquiry as well as other strategies to ensure the obligors are brought under the recovery net of AMCON.”
The mandate of the Committee, which was inaugurated in September 2019 includes the review of status of debt owed to AMCON, collate information relating to respective debtors and their current status, deliberate on practical, legal and other strategies for the recovery of the outstanding debt, among others.
The Chairman said the Committee immediately commenced work upon inauguration, but the advent of the COVID-19 global pandemic inevitably slowed down the pace of activities and enforcement measures.
Members of the Inter-Agency Committee consist of representatives from various government agencies including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission; Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria;
Others include the Federal Ministry of Justice; Nigerian Financial Intelligence Agency; Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation; Central Bank of Nigeria; Department of State Services; and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The meeting was attended by representatives of those agencies including the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, AMCON, Ahmed Kuru.
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