THE National Headquarters of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has reviewed its earlier plans to shut down Intercontinental Hotel over alleged default in the payment of duty on imported rice.
A statement sent to Citybusinessnews by Public Relation Officer, Wale Adenityi explained that the NCS has found it necessary to clarify its position on its on-going battle to compel defaulting rice importers pay outstanding duties owed the Federal Government of Nigeria.
He said this clarification has become necessary in view of media reports that Nigeria Customs Service plans to shut down Intercontinental Hotel.
According to Adeniyi, the confusion was created in view of the association of its owners, Milan Nigeria Limited with one of the defaulting Importers.
Adeniyi said: “Our records have shown that Intercontinental Hotel is not indebted to the Nigeria Customs Service, and will therefore not be shut down as insinuated. It is also necessary to clarify that the defaulting importers targeted for sanctions, Conti Agro Nigeria Limited is a separate legal entity from Milan Nigeria Limited, owners of Intercontinental Hotel.
“The Management of Conti Agro has commenced engagement with the Customs to make payments of duty owed by it, and resolve the issue”.
