Fuel subsidy probe committee commissioned by President Goodluck Jonathan has uncovered that fuel traders fraudulently collected $2.38 billion USD - 382 billion naira.
AIG Imokhuede, the head of the committee said:
"The first (step) is the recovery of the 382 billion naira,"
"The next is possible criminal investigation and prosecution of the OMT (oil marketing and trading companies) ... also, the external auditors and any government functionaries who served will be further interviewed to determine the roles if any in the issues that were discussed."
House of representative member who was accused of collecting bribe to adjust the probe report by the house of assembly had earlier said $6.8 billion payment was fraudulently stolen over three years.
Okonjo Iweala The Finance Minister's has held off subsidy payments until probes into marketers have been completed, prompting anger from importers and risking fuel shortages.
People queued for petrol at inflated prices in Nigeria's oil-producing Niger Delta on Tuesday. Nationwide fuel shortages and a spike in prices risks further public unrest.
Fuel union Jetty and Petroleum Tank Farm Owners of Nigeria (JEPTFON) is shutting down fuel distribution facilities this week and another labour group, the Depot and Petroleum Marketers Association (DAPPMA), threatened to join them within 48 hours if government did not pay outstanding subsidies.
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