FPAC Calls for Police Investigation into Timber Export Revenue Irregularities -

By Fatou Krubally

A parliamentary committee has called for police investigation into timber export revenues following concerns of irregularities.

The Finance and Public Accounts Committee (FPAC) of the National Assembly has recommended that the Inspector General of Police investigate the Ministry of Environment over concerns relating to timber export revenues, following findings contained in the Auditor General’s reports on government accounts for 2021 to 2024.

The recommendation follows FPAC’s review of the Auditor General’s report, which was referred to the committee by parliament for scrutiny in line with its constitutional oversight mandate on public finances.

The committee noted that under a 2019 agreement, clearing agents were mandated to collect and remit fees from timber export operations at a rate of US$3,600 per container.

However, despite records indicating that 2,393 timber containers were exported between January and April 2019, FPAC said it was unable to verify corresponding revenue remittances due to missing supporting documentation.

FPAC further observed that key financial records, including designated bank account details and reconciliation statements between agents and the ministry, were not made available for audit verification. It said this limited confirmation of whether all expected revenues were collected and deposited into government accounts.

As a result, the committee recommended that the Inspector General of Police investigate the Ministry of Environment over the management of timber export revenues and report findings to parliament within 90 days.

FPAC also called for the submission of all relevant financial records to support transparency and accountability.