Customs deactivates two authorised dealer banks over non-remittance

Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has deactivated selected undisclosed two authorised dealer banks that failed to comply with the Service-Level Agreements (SLAs) relating to customs duty and statutory charge remittances.

The Acting Comptroller General of NCS, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said the decision followed a thorough audit and due process, aligning with the NCS’s commitment to upholding transparency, accountability and efficiency in revenue collection.

Adeniyi, in a statement signed by the Customs National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, said the objective of the agreement was to ensure accurate and timely remittance of Customs duties and other essential funds for national development.

Adeniyi said while the banks are deactivated, the Customs Service has implemented measures to minimise disruptions for importers and stakeholders in the system ecosystem.

He assured the trading community that all pending assessments would undergo clearance processes in line with international best practices. Adeniyi said importers who previously relied on the deactivated banks should utilise other authorised dealer banks that comply with NCS regulations.

“Stakeholders encountering challenges with a particular bank are encouraged to use alternatives that function appropriately. The deactivated banks will have the opportunity to be reactivated once they meet all regulatory requirements and settle outstanding remittances,” he said.

The Customs boss noted that collaborative efforts with financial regulators and stakeholders are underway to ensure the efficiency and integrity of the customs duty collection system.

He said NCS places priority on trade facilitation, putting stakeholders and citizens first, even in the face of non-compliance by some authorised dealer banks.

According to him, this action underscores the NCS’s commitment to maintaining a fair and transparent customs revenue collection process.