The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced enforcement actions against Designated Banks that fail to remit collected Customs revenue within agreed timelines, citing concerns over delays discovered after reconciliation of collections processed through the B’odogwu platform.
In a statement issued on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs by the National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, the Service said the delayed remittances constitute a breach of the Service Level Agreement (SLA) between the NCS and the banks, and undermine the efficiency, transparency, and integrity of government revenue administration.
According to the NCS, any Designated Bank found to have defaulted on the stipulated remittance period will now be liable to penalty interest calculated at three per cent above the prevailing Nigerian Interbank Offered Rate (NIBOR) for the duration of the delay.
Affected banks will receive formal notifications detailing the delayed amounts, applicable penalties, and timelines for settlement.
The Service warned that persistent or repeated non-compliance with the SLA could attract further sanctions, including regulatory and administrative measures, in line with the provisions of the agreement and relevant laws governing Customs revenue collection.
The NCS also stressed that prompt, accurate, and complete remittance of Customs revenue is a core obligation of Designated Banks. It added that any payment of collected revenue into unauthorised accounts, whether deliberate or accidental, would be treated as a serious violation and addressed in accordance with the SLA and applicable legal frameworks.
Designated Banks were advised to strengthen their internal controls, ensure strict compliance with remittance timelines, and fully adhere to the provisions of the SLA.
The NCS reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing accountability, safeguarding government revenue, and promoting a transparent and predictable financial system to support national economic development.
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