Banks to pay N10,000 fine for every failed electronic funds transfer

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), has disclosed its commitment to fine Nigerian financial institutions for any failed Instant Payment transaction not reversed into the customer’s account within 24 hours, based on complaint of the sender and/or beneficiary.
The apex bank said any failure will attract a fine of N10,000.


CBN made this known in a ‘Circular on the regulation on instant inter-bank electronic funds transfer services in Nigeria’, issued to all Deposit Money Banks, microfinance banks, other financial institutions, mobile money operators, development finance institutions, payment service providers and other stakeholders.

More so, CBN warned that delayed application of inward NIP into beneficiary’s accounts beyond four minutes would attract a penalty fee of N10,000 per item.

“The sanctions above and any other prescribed in the Nigeria Bankers’ Clearing System rules or any amendment thereto, shall apply.” CBN maintained.

Recall that CBN, in August, fined four banks a total of ₦5.86 billion for breaching Nigeria’s extant laws and forex rules when they facilitated illegal repatriation of funds to South Africa on behalf of MTN.