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 their Service-Level Agreements (SLAs) regarding Customs Duty and statutory charge remittances.
The National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Chief Superintendent of Customs Abdullahi Maiwada, said in a statement that this decision stems from a comprehensive audit and due process in line with the NCS’s dedication to maintaining transparency, accountability, and efficiency in revenue collection.
He said the primary objective is to ensure the accurate and timely remittance of Customs duties and other vital funds for national development.
Maiwada also explained that despite the deactivation of these banks, the Comptroller General has put measures in place to minimize disruptions for importers and stakeholders operating within the trading ecosystem.
He also assured the trading community that all pending assessments will undergo clearance processes following international best practices.
He advised importers who previously relied on the deactivated banks for duty payments to utilize other Authorized Dealer Banks that adhere to NCS regulations.
He further encouraged stakeholders encountering challenges with a specific bank to use alternative options that function appropriately.
Maiwada said the deactivated banks will have the opportunity to be reactivated once they meet all regulatory requirements and settle outstanding remittances.
He said collaborative efforts with financial regulators and stakeholders are currently in progress to ensure the efficiency and integrity of the Customs Duty collection system.
He reiterated that the NCS places a high priority on trade facilitation, always prioritizing stakeholders and Nigerian citizens, even when faced with non-compliance by some Authorized Dealer Banks.
He further said the current action underscores the NCS’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a fair and transparent customs revenue collection process.
