Customs Chief Takes Action Against Banks Failing Duty Collection

The Acting Comptroller-General (C-G) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, has taken decisive action by removing defaulting banks from the Customs Duty Collection System.

The National Public Relations Officer (NPRO) of the Service, Abdullahi Maiwada (CSC), made this announcement in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday.

Although specific details regarding the affected banks were not disclosed by the NCS, it has come to light that prominent first and second-generation banks failed to remit duties collected on behalf of the Customs Service to the designated institutions.

Maiwada stated, “The Acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, has acted decisively in response to selected Authorized Dealer Banks failing to meet Service-Level Agreements (SLAs) related to Customs Duty and statutory charge remittances.”

He emphasized that this decision followed a comprehensive audit and due process, aligning with the NCS’s commitment to upholding transparency, accountability, and efficiency in revenue collection.

The primary objective of this action is to ensure the accurate and timely remittance of Customs duties and other essential funds for national development.

Despite the deactivation of these banks from the collection system, the Comptroller General has implemented measures to minimize disruptions for importers and stakeholders within the trading ecosystem.

Maiwada reassured the trading community that all pending assessments would undergo clearance processes in line with international best practices.

He added, “Importers who previously relied on the deactivated banks for duty payments are advised to utilize other Authorized Dealer Banks that comply with NCS regulations. Stakeholders encountering challenges with a particular bank are encouraged to use alternatives that function appropriately.”

This move by the Nigeria Customs Service underscores its commitment to improving the efficiency and transparency of revenue collection, ultimately benefiting the nation’s development.