The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has handed over ₦104,091,162.46 (One Hundred and Four Million, Ninety-One Thousand, One Hundred and Sixty-Two Naira, Forty-Six Kobo) to the Niger State Government.

The handover, conducted on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, at the EFCC Office in GRA, Ilorin, followed the successful recovery of funds from Kiara Rice Mills Limited, located in Kpatsuwa Village, Mokwa Local Government Area of Niger State. The recovered amount represents the company’s unremitted tax liabilities accrued between 2021 and 2024.

In February 2025, the Commission received intelligence that the multi-billion-naira firm had failed to fully remit its tax obligations despite operating profitably within the state, thereby breaching federal tax laws and Niger State revenue regulations. Following an investigation by the Foreign Exchange Malpractice Section of the EFCC, the infractions were confirmed, and the outstanding taxes were recovered in full.

During the presentation ceremony, EFCC Executive Chairman Mr Ola Olukoyede, represented by the Ilorin Zonal Director, Commander CE Ansalem Ozioko, Ph.D., reaffirmed the Commission’s determination to ensure public funds are properly accounted for and returned to legitimate owners.

“The duty of the EFCC is to prevent, investigate, and prosecute economic and financial crimes, recover stolen assets, and return them to the rightful owners. That is exactly what we are doing here today,” Olukoyede said.

He called for continued cooperation between the Niger State Government and the EFCC, underscoring the importance of transparency, accountability, and integrity in governance. “We encourage you to maintain close collaboration with the Commission and to be advocates of integrity by reporting any conduct that falls short of ethical standards,” he added.

Receiving the recovered funds, Alhaji Aminu Bawa, Group Head of Tax Operations at the Niger State Internal Revenue Service, praised the EFCC for its professionalism and commitment. “On behalf of the Niger State Government, we express our sincere appreciation to the Commission for this commendable recovery effort. This achievement will directly and positively impact the lives of our people,” he said.

Bawa confirmed that the funds would be credited to the state government’s account and allocated to development projects across Niger State.