What you need to set up Remita on First Bank Mobile
Remita is a payment platform operated by Systemspecs that lets you pay government agencies, educational institutions, and other organisations directly from your First Bank account. To access it through First Bank Mobile, you need an active First Bank account, the First Bank Mobile app installed on your phone, and your login credentials for that app.
The process does not require a separate Remita registration—First Bank Mobile integrates Remita as a built-in feature. Once you log into the app, you can navigate to Remita and begin paying bills without additional setup steps.
You will need the specific Remita code for whatever you are paying. Government agencies, schools, and other organisations publish these codes on their websites or provide them on receipts. Without the correct code, the payment cannot be routed to the right destination.
Key Takeaways
- Remita is accessed directly through First Bank Mobile after you log in—no separate account creation is needed.
- You must have the Remita code for the organisation or service you are paying; this code is published by the agency or institution receiving payment.
- Payments move from your First Bank account to the recipient's Remita account, and the transaction is recorded in your First Bank statement.
- First Bank Mobile must be downloaded and installed on your phone, and you need your First Bank login details to proceed.
Steps to access Remita in First Bank Mobile
Open the First Bank Mobile app and log in with your username and password. If you do not have the app, read it from your phone's app store—search for "First Bank Mobile" and install the official First Bank Nigeria app.
Once logged in, look for the menu or home screen. The exact layout depends on your app version, but Remita is usually listed under a "Pay Bills" section, "Services", or a main menu icon (often three horizontal lines). Tap on Remita or "Pay via Remita".
The app will prompt you to enter the Remita code for the organisation you are paying. This is a unique identifier assigned by Systemspecs to each biller—government agencies, universities, and tax offices each have their own code. Enter the code exactly as provided.
After entering the code, the app displays the biller's name and the payment amount (if fixed) or a field where you enter the amount. Review the details carefully before proceeding. Enter the amount you wish to pay, then confirm the transaction. The app will deduct the funds from your First Bank account when ready or within minutes, depending on your account type and the time of day.
Where to find the Remita code for what you are paying
The Remita code is published by the organisation receiving payment. If you are paying property tax, your local government's tax office website lists the code. If you are paying school fees, the school provides the code in admission letters, on their website, or at the bursar's office. If you are paying a government service fee, the agency's official website or office has the code.
Do not use a code from an unofficial source or a code someone tells you verbally without confirming it on the official website. Using the wrong code sends your money to the wrong account, and recovery is slow.
Many organisations print the Remita code on receipts or invoices they send you. If you have a previous receipt from the same organisation, the code on it is usually still valid. You can also call the organisation directly and ask for their Remita code—most have staff trained to provide it.
What happens after you submit a Remita payment
The payment is deducted from your First Bank account within seconds to a few minutes. First Bank Mobile shows a confirmation screen with a reference number (also called a transaction ID). Write down or screenshot this number—you will need it if there is a dispute or if the organisation cannot locate your payment.
The funds reach the organisation's Remita account, usually within the same day. However, the organisation then has to process the payment on their end—moving it from their Remita account into their internal system. This processing step can take one to three business days, depending on how often the organisation checks Remita.
Your First Bank statement will show the transaction as a debit to your account, with the biller's name and the reference number. Keep this statement as proof of payment. If the organisation says they did not receive your payment after three business days, contact First Bank with your reference number and your statement.
Common reasons a Remita payment fails or does not go through
The most common reason is an incorrect Remita code. If you enter a code that does not exist or belongs to a different organisation, the app either rejects it before you pay or the payment sits in Remita unmatched. Always double-check the code against the official source before submitting.
Insufficient funds in your First Bank account will also stop the payment. The app usually warns you before you confirm, but if your balance drops between checking and confirming, the transaction fails. Try again once you have added funds.
Network issues can interrupt the payment process. If your connection drops after you confirm but before the app shows a confirmation screen, the payment may or may not have gone through. Do not pay again when ready—wait a few minutes, then log back in and check your account balance and recent transactions. If the money is gone, the payment went through. If it is still there, try again.
Some organisations' Remita accounts are temporarily inactive or closed. This is rare but happens when an agency stops using Remita or when their account is suspended. The app will reject the code or the payment will fail with an error message. Contact the organisation to ask if they still accept Remita payments or if they have moved to a different system.
Fees and charges for Remita payments through First Bank Mobile
First Bank may charge a transaction fee for Remita payments, though many government payments are fee-free. The fee, if any, is deducted from your account along with the payment amount. The app shows the total amount you will be charged before you confirm.
Some organisations add their own fee to Remita payments—this is separate from First Bank's fee and is set by the organisation, not by First Bank or Remita. The organisation's fee is usually shown on their website or in their payment instructions. Ask the organisation directly if you are unsure whether a fee applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay someone else's bill using my First Bank account and Remita?
Yes, as long as the payment is to an organisation (a school, government agency, utility company), not to an individual. Remita is designed for payments to institutions. The organisation will credit the payment to whoever the Remita code is linked to—usually based on a student ID, tax ID, or account number you provide when entering the payment amount.
What if I entered the wrong amount and the payment already went through?
Contact the organisation that received the payment with your reference number and explain the error. They can often reverse the payment or credit the overpayment to a future bill. If they cannot help, contact First Bank with your reference number and statement. Recovery is possible but can take weeks.
Does Remita work on First Bank's USSD service or only on the mobile app?
Remita is primarily accessed through First Bank Mobile. Some First Bank branches or customer service lines may offer Remita payments, but the app is the standard route. Check with First Bank directly if you do not have smartphone access.
Can I schedule a Remita payment for a future date?
Most versions of First Bank Mobile do not support scheduled Remita payments—the payment is processed when ready when you confirm. If you need to pay on a specific date, make the payment on that date. Some organisations allow you to pay early without penalty.
What should I do if the organisation says they did not receive my payment after a week?
Gather your reference number from the First Bank confirmation screen and your account statement showing the debit. Contact First Bank customer service with these documents and explain the situation. First Bank can trace the payment through Remita and either confirm it reached the organisation or investigate why it did not.