The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has begun enforcing penalties against designated banks that delay remitting Customs revenue, intensifying efforts to protect government earnings and strengthen transparency.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Deputy Comptroller of Customs and National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, said the Service observed repeated delays after reconciliation of collections processed through the B’odogwu electronic platform.
According to the NCS, such delays breach agreed remittance obligations and undermine the efficiency and integrity of public revenue administration.
Penalties Backed by Service Level Agreement
The Service explained that the enforcement action follows provisions in the Service Level Agreement (SLA) between the NCS and designated revenue-collecting banks.
Maiwada stated that any bank failing to remit collected Customs revenue within the prescribed timeline would attract financial penalties.
“Any designated bank that fails to remit collected Customs revenue within the approved period will be liable to penalty interest,” he said.
“This will be calculated at three per cent above the prevailing Nigerian Interbank Offered Rate for the duration of the delay.”
The NCS added that affected banks would receive formal notifications detailing delayed amounts, applicable penalties and settlement deadlines.
Warning Against Repeated Violations
The Service warned that persistent or repeated breaches of the SLA could attract stiffer sanctions, including regulatory and administrative measures allowed under existing laws.
It also cautioned banks against paying Customs revenue into unauthorised accounts, whether deliberately or through error, describing such actions as serious violations.
According to the statement, the NCS will address any such infractions strictly in line with the SLA and relevant legal frameworks.
Banks Advised to Strengthen Controls
The Customs Service urged designated banks to improve internal control systems, ensure strict compliance with remittance timelines and adhere fully to agreed procedures.
It reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, revenue protection and the promotion of a transparent financial system to support Nigeria’s economic development.
“Prompt, accurate and complete remittance of Customs revenue remains a fundamental obligation of designated banks,” the Service stated.
Revenue Drive and 2025 Target
Customs revenue remains a key pillar of the Federal Government’s non-oil income, funding critical budgetary and development priorities.
In recent years, the NCS has expanded automation, monitoring and reconciliation reforms, including deploying digital platforms like B’odogwu to reduce leakages.
The latest enforcement move aligns with broader efforts by revenue-generating agencies to tighten controls and improve fiscal discipline.
The NCS has set a ₦10tn revenue target for 2025 and has collected ₦3.6tn in the first half of the year.