The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has urged all microfinance banks (MfBs) to ensure prompt rendition of statutory monthly returns through FinA application.

This is contained in a circular signed by Valentine Ururuka, the director of the financial policy and regulation department of the apex bank, and addressed to all MfBs.

Mr Ururuka said the CBN has observed with dismay the late and non-rendition of periodic returns on FinA by microfinance banks.

“All MfBs are, therefore, reminded of the provision of section 24 of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act (BOFIA) 2020 and other regulations.

“Consequently, all MfBs are to ensure their monthly FinA returns are submitted on or before the fifth day after month end.

“Where the fifth day falls on a weekend or public holiday, returns shall be submitted the previous work day,’’ he said.

He warned the MfBs to ensure timely rendition as all future breaches “shall be sanctioned.”

“In case of technical issues, you are required to notify the CBN via email via OFIreturns@cbn.gov.ng prior to the deadline, detailing with evidence of the technical issue,” he said.

FinA is an offsite surveillance system for the online submission of returns by financial institutions to the CBN.

(NAN)