The Nigerian Customs Service announced on Sunday that it recently deactivated only two banks due to their failure to remit collected duties.
The service also reported these banks to the appropriate financial authorities, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, and ongoing discussions are in progress among all parties involved.
According to Abdullahi Maiwada, the National Public Relations Officer of NCS, the acting Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, ordered the deactivation of certain banks for their duty remittance failures.
When asked about the number of banks affected and the undisclosed amount involved, Maiwada confirmed that two Deposit Money Banks were impacted.
Maiwada explained, “We deliberately chose not to disclose the specific amount involved. Regarding the steps taken, aside from blacklisting the banks, it’s important to note that we engaged in extensive discussions with them before resorting to blacklisting.
We are currently in ongoing discussions with the banks, and recently, we reached a reasonable conclusion.
They are willing to rectify the situation, and soon, they will be back on track. There are two banks in question.”
When questioned about whether the service had informed the CBN about the banks’ infractions, Maiwada stated, “We are actively engaging with relevant systems, including the Central Bank of Nigeria, to ensure resolution.
It’s crucial to note that the purpose of our press release was not to damage the reputation of any bank.
Rather, it was meant to express sympathy for importers affected by the situation and to find a solution for traders who should not suffer due to the shortcomings or incompetence of a particular institution.
