In its bid to a significant development of ‘New Customs’ the Acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has taken a decisive action in response to selected Authorized Dealer Banks failing to meet Service-Level Agreements (SLAs) related to Customs Duty and statutory charge remittances.
The NCS primary objective is to ensure that accurate and timely remittance of Customs duties and other essential funds for national development are well captured.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Service’s National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, on behalf of the Acting Comptroller General.
The Comptroller General ‘s decision was a result of thorough audit and due process in order to align with the NCS’s commitment to upholding transparency, accountability, and efficiency in revenue collection.
Although the banks are deactivated, the Comptroller General has implemented measures to minimize disruptions for importers and stakeholders within the trading ecosystem.
He affirmed that the trading community with all pending assessments will undergo clearance processes in line with international best practices.
He advised the Importers who previously relied on the deactivated banks for duty payments to utilize other Authorized Dealer Banks that comply with NCS regulations.
He stressed that stakeholders encountering challenges with a particular bank are encouraged to use alternatives that function appropriately.
He assured that the deactivated banks will have the opportunity to be reactivated once they meet all regulatory requirements and settle outstanding remittances. Collaborative efforts with financial regulators and stakeholders are underway to ensure the efficiency and integrity of the Customs Duty Collection system.
He however concluded that NCS places priority on trade facilitation, putting stakeholders and Nigerian citizens first, even in the face of non-compliance by some Authorized Dealer Banks. The action that underscores the NCS’s commitment to maintaining a fair and transparent customs revenue collection process.
