Nigerians living outside the country now have a convenient way to obtain their Bank Verification Number (BVN) without needing to travel back home, though it comes with a fee.
On May 13, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in collaboration with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), officially launched the Non-Resident Bank Verification Number (NRBVN) platform.
The service enables Nigerians in the diaspora to remotely register for BVN at a cost of $50, which is approximately ₦80,000.
The new platform eliminates the previous requirement for physical presence in Nigeria for BVN enrolment, aiming to improve access to banking services and promote financial inclusion among Nigerians abroad.
Steps to Apply for NRBVN
Interested applicants are required to begin the process by visiting the official registration portal at https://nibss-plc.com.ng/nrbvn/, where they will need to sign up using a valid email address.
After registering, they will receive a verification link in their email.
Clicking the link leads users to set a password.
They must then scan a QR code using a two-factor authentication app, such as Google Authenticator, to secure their account.
Applicants can then select one of three identity categories: Nigerian (No BVN), Nigerian (BVN), or Nigerian by Descent.
Documents Required for Registration
A valid Nigerian passport is the primary form of identification.
However, if that is unavailable, applicants may provide alternatives such as an expired Nigerian passport, proof of residence abroad (like a valid foreign passport, residence permit, or green card), a recent utility bill, a work permit or employment letter, proof of tax payment in their country of residence, and foreign bank statements.
A non-refundable fee of $50 is charged for the service, payable via Visa or Mastercard through a secure gateway provided by Tazapay.
This cost marks a notable departure from the free BVN registration available to residents in Nigeria.
Once the necessary documents are uploaded and payment is confirmed, the NRBVN system processes and verifies the application.
If approved, the applicant receives their BVN within 72 hours.
Why This Development Is Important
CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative, saying it is designed to “expand financial inclusion, bolster Know-Your-Customer (KYC) compliance, and reduce identity fraud,” particularly as the Nigerian financial sector increases oversight on fintech activities and cross-border remittances.
