Posted by By Godwin Oritse on
LAGOS - BANK accounts of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) through which officers' salaries are paid have been frozen in compliance with....
LAGOS - BANK accounts of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) through which officers' salaries are paid have been frozen in compliance with a court order over non-payment of a contractor's fees.
Although Vanguard could not immediately ascertain the name of the contractor or his company, it was gathered that the same contractor also got a court order to take possession of vehicles and other movable items belonging to the service.
Confirming the development to Vanguard, the Customs' Public Relations Officer, Mr Wale Adeniyi, said: 'It is true that the NCS bank accounts have been frozen by a court order," but he declined to say which court gave the order or the name of the contractor who took the Customs Service to court. Mr Adeniyi, however, confirmed that the situation had stalled the operations of the service at the headquarters, even as salaries of both men and officers for the month of June have also been stopped
On the value of the contract, Mr Adeniyi said he did not have the facts of the case.
Sequel to the court order, activities at the Customs headquarters have slowed down. Sources close to the service said the contract was executed shortly before the present administration came on board.
It was also gathered that the Presidency had registered its displeasure at the manner the leadership of the service had handled the matter.
A senior Customs officer in the Excise Department of the NCS who pleaded anonymity also confirmed the development, saying since the end of June it had been a struggle to survive