The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has expressed concern over observed delays by some Designated Banks in remitting Customs revenue after reconciliation of collections processed through the B’odogwu platform.
The Service noted that such delays constitute a breach of remittance obligations as outlined in the Service Level Agreement (SLA) between the NCS and Designated Banks, and undermine the efficiency, transparency, and integrity of government revenue administration.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by Dr. Abdullahi Maiwada, Deputy Comptroller of Customs, National Public Relations Officer, the Service announced the commencement of enforcement actions against any bank found to be in default of the agreed remittance timelines.
According to the Service, 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 be formally notified of the delayed amount, applicable penalty, and settlement timeline.
The NCS further warned that persistent or repeated non-compliance with the provisions of the SLA may attract additional regulatory and administrative sanctions, in line with the Agreement and extant laws governing Customs revenue collection.
The Service also stressed that the prompt, accurate, and complete remittance of Customs revenue remains a fundamental obligation of all Designated Banks. Any payment of collected revenue into unauthorised accounts—whether deliberate or due to error—will be treated as a serious violation and addressed in accordance with the SLA and relevant legal frameworks.
Designated Banks were therefore advised to strengthen internal control mechanisms, ensure strict adherence to remittance timelines, and comply fully with all SLA provisions.
The Nigeria Customs Service reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing accountability, safeguarding government revenue, and promoting a transparent and predictable financial system in support of national economic development.
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