N62 Billion Customs Scandal: Calls for Transparency and AccountabilityBy: Mike Odeh JamesA major financial scandal has rocked the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), with allegations of N62 billion in unremitted funds under the leadership of former Comptroller-General Hameed Ali. The Transparency and Budget Monitoring Group (TBMG) has strongly condemned the alleged financial mismanagement, describing it as “unfortunate” and demanding a thorough investigation.In response, the Senate Public Accounts Committee has initiated an inquiry, giving the current Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, a two-week deadline to provide a detailed explanation regarding the allegations. The Auditor General’s Report uncovered a significant N62 billion discrepancy between the NCS’s reported revenue collection and actual remittance.According to the report, the NCS recorded a total revenue collection of N691 billion for the federation account but only remitted N629 billion to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). This revelation has further fueled concerns over widespread corruption and financial irregularities within the Nigerian government.The TBMG is urging the Senate to conduct a comprehensive investigation into these outstanding financial discrepancies. The group is also demanding that Hameed Ali be held accountable for the alleged under-remittance, insisting on a full-scale probe and possible prosecution.This scandal is the latest in a series of financial misconduct cases within the Nigerian Customs Service. Recently, high-ranking officers were implicated in a multi-billion naira corruption scheme, further raising concerns about accountability and transparency in the agency.Furthermore, the current Comptroller-General, Bashir Adeniyi, faces mounting pressure over revenue shortfalls and allegations of fraudulent practices. The controversy deepens with accusations of selective disciplinary measures regarding two senior officers involved in a separate financial scandal amounting to N15 billion.As investigations unfold, Nigerians are keenly observing how the authorities will handle this matter. The TBMG’s push for transparency and accountability is vital in tackling corruption and restoring public trust in the Nigerian Customs Service and other government institutions.I’ve updated the article with your requested changes. Let me know if you need any further modifications or refinements!