The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has addressed concerns over alleged new charges tied to the recently introduced Non-Resident Bank Verification Number (NRBVN) platform for Nigerians living abroad.
The clarification was made in Abuja, where the bank stated that Nigerians residing within the country can still obtain a BVN without paying any fee.
However, the NRBVN, which targets Nigerians in the diaspora, comes with a $50 charge.
According to the CBN, this is not a fee for the BVN itself but a processing cost that covers remote biometric verification, data handling, and other technical services needed to support enrolment from overseas.
Before the launch of the NRBVN, Nigerians abroad were reportedly paying about $200 for similar services through other channels.
The CBN explained that the $50 charge introduced under the new system is a more affordable option for remote access to BVN registration.
The apex bank noted that the NRBVN is a voluntary service and is designed to help Nigerians abroad link easily to the Nigerian financial system without the need to travel back home.
The platform was developed in collaboration with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) to make banking services more accessible for citizens living outside the country.
CBN also described social media claims suggesting that new or hidden charges had been imposed on all Nigerians as false and misleading.
It urged the public to rely on official updates from the CBN and NIBSS.
The bank said the NRBVN project is part of its long-term plan to increase access to financial services for Nigerians everywhere, using technology to break down distance and simplify processes.
Leave a Reply