FRC Urges Nigeria Customs Service to Submit Audits

The Fiscal Responsibility Commission (FRC), led by Acting Executive Chairman Charles Chukwuemeka Abana, has raised concerns regarding the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) for not submitting its audited financial statements since 2019, which contravenes the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) of 2007. Abana emphasized that Section 23 of the FRA mandates Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs) to submit their audited financial reports within three months after the financial year ends.

He urged the NCS to comply with these provisions and ensure timely remittance of its operating surplus into the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF). Abana noted that the non-compliance of government agencies negatively impacts fiscal management.

He compared the NCS's situation with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), which improved compliance after FRC's capacity-building programs. NCS's Comptroller of Accounts, Amedu O., acknowledged communication gaps as a reason for the delay and assured that the NCS would take immediate steps to comply with the FRA and work closely with the FRC.