By Dr. Nafisat Makinde
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC has recovered and handed over ₦104,091,162.46 to the Niger State Government after uncovering years of unremitted tax liabilities by Kiara Rice Mills Limited. The official handover took place on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at the EFCC Ilorin Zonal Office, GRA, Ilorin, where officials formally transferred the recovered funds to the state.
According to the EFCC, the recovered sum represents unpaid tax liabilities accumulated between 2021 and 2024. The Commission began investigating the matter after receiving intelligence in February 2025 suggesting that the company had not fully remitted its tax obligations despite operating profitably. Investigators confirmed that Kiara Rice Mills had violated both federal tax laws and Niger State revenue regulations.
Findings from the EFCC’s Foreign Exchange Malpractice Section established the infractions and led to the recovery of the full amount from the company in Kpatsuwa Village, Mokwa Local Government Area. EFCC officials described the case as a significant step toward strengthening tax compliance among high-revenue companies operating across the state.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, represented by the Ilorin Zonal Director, Commander CE Ansalem Ozioko, Ph.D., reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to accountability. He stated, “The function of the EFCC is to prevent, investigate and prosecute economic and financial crimes, recover what was stolen and return it to the rightful owners. That is exactly what we are doing here today.”
Olukoyede urged the Niger State Government to continue working closely with the EFCC to protect public resources. “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, noting that effective collaboration is essential for strengthening governance.
Receiving the funds on behalf of the Niger State Government, Alhaji Aminu Bawa, Group Head of Tax Operations at the Niger State Internal Revenue Service, expressed gratitude to the EFCC for what he described as a diligent recovery process. “On behalf of the Niger State Government, I express our sincere appreciation for this commendable effort. This development will have a direct and positive impact on the lives of our people,” he said, adding that the money will be used for developmental projects across the state.
