Ojo Peter Akintoye, ANLCA chairman, Tin Can.
Story by Dili Utomi.
The Nigeria Customs Service has categorically stated that they are not the ones responsible for the blocking of the Guarranty Trust bank as they say that they only receive directive from the National Assembly to effect the blocking of the bank from handling the Service’s transactions.
This statement was reiterated by the Customs Area Controller of the Tin Can Area Command, Comptroller Kunle Oloyede when the chairman of the Tin Can chapter of the Association of Nigeria Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) Ojo Peter Akintoye and his executive officers visited the CAC. At the meeting, the Licensed Customs Agents were made to understand that the National Assembly had given the Guaranty Trust bank two weeks notice to reconcile their revenue account. The two weeks notice has since elapsed without the GT bank doing the needful and that that prompted the National Assembly to wield the big stick on the bank by instructing the Customs to block them immediately.
On his part, the ANLCA chapter chairman said that it is the sole responsibility of the bank to update their customers on the predicament that they faced prior to the expiration of the time frame given them by the National Assembly. He said that it is not right that they collect money on behalf of the government and not remitting same to the government coffers.
On the issue of customs portal the CAC said that all the bottlenecks that were being encountered as regards the module for bank interchange after assessment have been removed as a result of upgrading and the blocking of the loss of revenue and that is why we are having this issue.
The ANLCA chairman on his part also advised that everyone should direct all their grievances on the demurrage challenges to the management of GTbank for a way forward because they are their customers.
“Customs on their own part have said their hands are tied and that it had nothing to do with any Area command and that it has nothing to do with the Customs as a body”. He added that the action was solely and directly taken by the federal government. “If there is any policy or directive from the side of the federal government, Customs has no option but to adhere strictly to it.
Briefing the press Anlca PRO of the Tincan
chapter, Comradee Onome Joy Monije added that as a result of the present situation, they are calling on all our members that are affected directly or indirectly with GTbank transaction to come up with their details because ANLCA as a body has resolved to engage the GTbank and all concerned in finding a lasting solution to this problem as she noted that an injury to one is injury to all.
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