The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has commenced the enforcement of penalties against Designated Banks found to be delaying the remittance of Customs revenue, following reconciliation of collections processed through the B’odogwu platform.
National Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, noted that the Service had observed instances where some banks failed to remit collected revenue within agreed timelines. He described the practice as a breach of obligation that undermines the efficiency, transparency and integrity of government revenue administration.
According to the NCS, the enforcement action is in line with the Service Level Agreement (SLA) between the Service and Designated Banks. Under the agreement, any bank that failed to remit Customs revenue within the prescribed period will be liable to penalty interest calculated at three per cent above the prevailing Nigerian Interbank Offered Rate (NIBOR) for the duration of the delay.
The Service said affected banks would receive formal notifications detailing the delayed amounts, applicable penalties and timelines for settlement, warned that persistent or repeated violations of the SLA could attract additional regulatory and administrative sanctions as provided under the agreement and relevant laws guiding Customs revenue collection.
The NCS further cautioned that payment of collected revenue into unauthorised accounts, whether deliberate or accidental, would be treated as a serious violation and handled in accordance with the SLA and applicable legal frameworks.
Reaffirming its commitment to accountability and revenue protection, the Service urged Designated Banks to strengthen internal controls, adhere strictly to remittance timelines and comply fully with the provisions of the SLA, stressing that prompt and accurate remittance of Customs revenue remains a fundamental obligation.
