The CBN Just Removed These 7 Banking Barriers For Nigerians Abroad
Posted by Dammyjay Jameson on 14 May 2025 12:40 PM CAT

The Central Bank of Nigeria has finally dismantled the longstanding obstacles that have kept millions of Nigerians in diaspora disconnected from their homeland's financial system. With the launch of the Non-Resident Bank Verification Number (NRBVN), yesterday in Abuja, the CBN has systematically eliminated barriers that once restrained Nigerians abroad from making seamless and cost-effective financial transactions to Nigeria. This transformative initiative is already eliciting much excitement from Nigerians living abroad as a dream come true. Now they can make transactions from anywhere in the world as if they’re right in Nigeria.
1. Mandatory physical presence for banking services
The Barrier: Previously, Nigerians abroad had to physically travel to Nigeria just to open accounts, update information, or complete basic banking tasks.
CBN's Solution: The NRBVN has eliminated this requirement entirely, allowing complete digital verification from anywhere in the world.
What This Means For You: No more expensive flights home just to handle banking matters. As CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso highlighted at the NRBVN launch, this removes "considerable costs in terms of time and financial resources, especially for individuals residing in remote locations." Your financial connection to Nigeria is now independent of your physical location.
2. Limited access to Nigerian financial institutions
The Barrier : Distance created an insurmountable wall between diaspora Nigerians and Nigerian banks, restricting their ability to fully participate in the financial system.
CBN's Solution : A comprehensive digital platform that connects Nigerians abroad directly to the entire banking ecosystem.
What This Means For You : You can now open and manage accounts, conduct transactions, and access the full range of services from your phone or computer. The new platform creates what Governor Cardoso calls a "single digital gateway" that enables "seamless access to banking services" for all Nigerians, regardless of where they live.