Customs CG Raises Concerns Over Nigeria Revenue Service Bill, Says It Threatens Agency’s Existence
The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Adewale Adeniyi, has expressed strong concerns that the proposed Nigeria Revenue Service Bill currently under consideration in the National Assembly could jeopardize the existence of the NCS.
Adeniyi voiced his position on Wednesday during a public hearing conducted by the House of Representatives Committee on Finance.
In his submission, the Customs chief highlighted jurisdictional conflicts between the proposed bill and the Nigeria Customs Service Act 2023, raising alarms over the potential overlap in responsibilities.
"The Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill 2024, Section 1, provides a legal framework for the administration of taxes and revenue under any law, while Section 42 defines tax. This particular section subsumes everything provided under Sections 3 and 4 of the NCS Act, 2023," Adeniyi explained.
He emphasized the need for collaboration between the NCS and the tax authorities, rather than pushing for legislation that could abolish or undermine existing laws governing Customs operations.
"We should encourage collaboration and integration of operations between Customs and tax authorities, not abolish Customs or repeal a law to create another," he added.
Comments