The Central Bank of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System, has launched the Non-Resident Bank Verification Number platform, a significant initiative aimed at enhancing financial access for Nigerians in the diaspora. The platform enables Nigerians abroad to obtain their BVN remotely, removing the need for physical presence in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event in Abuja, CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso described the platform as a key milestone in the country’s financial inclusion journey. Cardoso noted that the NRBVN would ease the long-standing challenges faced by Nigerians in the diaspora who previously had to be physically present in Nigeria for BVN registration.
“For too long, many Nigerians abroad have faced difficulties accessing financial services at home due to physical verification requirements. The NRBVN changes that. Through secure digital verification and robust Know Your Customer processes, Nigerians worldwide will now be able to access financial services more easily and affordably,” Cardoso said.
The governor added that the NRBVN was not just a solution for financial access, but a step towards a more inclusive, innovative, and prosperous financial ecosystem. “We are building a secure, efficient, and inclusive financial ecosystem for Nigerians globally. This platform is not just about financial access, it’s about national inclusion, innovation, and shared prosperity,” he remarked.
Cardoso also highlighted the growth in remittance flows, which increased from $3.3 billion in 2023 to $4.73 billion in 2024. He attributed this rise to recent reforms, including the introduction of the willing buyer, willing seller FX regime. With the launch of the NRBVN, the CBN is targeting $1 billion in monthly remittances.
The event featured a presentation by the Managing Director/CEO of NIBSS, Premier Oiwoh, who detailed the technical and operational aspects of the NRBVN platform. Oiwoh emphasized that the platform adheres to global standards, incorporating stringent Anti-Money Laundering and KYC compliance protocols to ensure transparency and security.
The Deputy Governor, Economic Policy, CBN, Mr. Muhammad Abdullahi, also addressed the gathering, describing the NRBVN as a transformative tool for enhancing the banking experience for Nigeria’s diaspora. He urged stakeholders to collaborate in refining the platform to meet the evolving needs of the diaspora community.
The NRBVN platform is part of a broader framework that includes the Non-Resident Ordinary Account and Non-Resident Nigerian Investment Account, providing Nigerians in the diaspora with access to savings, mortgages, insurance, pensions, and investment opportunities in Nigeria’s capital markets. Under current regulations, diasporans will have the flexibility to repatriate the proceeds of their investments.
The launch of the NRBVN platform marks a crucial step in the CBN’s efforts to improve financial inclusion and harness the economic potential of Nigeria’s diaspora.
