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. This move comes as a response to selected Authorized Dealer Banks failing to meet Service-Level Agreements (SLAs) related to Customs Duty and statutory charge remittances.
While the NCS did not disclose the names of the affected banks, it is understood that they include some prominent first and second-generation banks that have failed to remit duties collected on behalf of the Customs Service to the designated banks.
The decision to remove these banks aligns with the NCS’s commitment to upholding transparency, accountability, and efficiency in revenue collection. The primary objective is to ensure accurate and timely remittance of Customs duties and other essential funds for national development.
Despite the deactivation of these banks, the Comptroller General has implemented measures to minimize disruptions for importers and stakeholders within the trading ecosystem. 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. The NCS remains committed to facilitating efficient trade and revenue collection processes while holding financial institutions accountable for their obligations in customs duty collection.
