Customs moves to sanction banks over delayed revenue remittances

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has expressed concern over delay in remittance of Customs revenue by some designated banks following reconciliation of collections processed through the B’odogwu platform.

The Service in a statement issued by its spokesman, Abdulahi Maiwada
said such delays constitute a breach of remittance obligations and negatively impact the efficiency, transparency, and integrity of government revenue administration.

Consequently, the NCS warned that any designated bank that fails to remit collected Customs revenue within the prescribed period would be liable to a financial penalty.

“In line with the provisions of the Service Level Agreement (SLA) executed between the Nigeria Customs Service and Designated Banks, the Service hereby notifies stakeholders of the commencement of enforcement actions against banks found to be in default of agreed remittance timelines.

“Accordingly, any Designated Bank that fails to remit collected Customs revenue within the prescribed period shall be liable to penalty interest calculated at three percent (3%) above the prevailing Nigerian Interbank Offered Rate (NIBOR) for the duration of the delay. Affected banks will receive formal notifications indicating the delayed amount, applicable penalty, and the timeline for settlement, ” the statement said.

The Service further noted that persistent or repeated non-compliance with the terms of the SLA may attract additional sanctions, including regulatory and administrative measures, as provided under the Agreement and relevant laws guiding Customs revenue collection.

The NCS reiterated that prompt, accurate, and complete remittance of Customs revenue is a fundamental obligation of Designated Banks. It added that any payment of collected revenue into unauthorised accounts, whether deliberate or erroneous, will be treated as a serious violation and addressed in accordance with the SLA and applicable legal frameworks.

It also advised designated banks to strengthen internal controls, ensure strict adherence to remittance timelines, and comply fully with the provisions of the SLA.

The NCS reaffirmed its committment to enforcing accountability, safeguarding government revenue, and promoting a transparent and predictable financial system in support of national economic development.