The Central Bank of Nigeria has instructed all bank customers to link their National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number, BVN to their bank account(s).
In this article, we will show you how to link your NIN.
If you have been unable to access your bank account, the CBN had, in a circular on December 1st 2023, directed that banks should place restrictions on all Tier 1 bank accounts without BVN.
Tier 1 accounts are accounts that the bank can open with a valid identity or proof of address.
Some banks have started implementing the rule, following the February 29, 2024/March 1st deadlines hence the “freezing” of bank accounts.
While some banks did not stipulate any deadline, some have taken actions like withholding balance info on customers accounts, among others.
What is NIN and why must I register?
The National Identification Number (NIN) consists of 11 non-intelligible numbers – numbers in random sequence of digits that have no “recognizable” pattern or system, making them difficult to interpret or forge. A NIN is assigned to a Nigerian citizen after completing enrollment into the National Identity Database (NIDB) which is used to tie all records about them in the database and is to establish or verify identity.
Bank Verification Number (BVN) on the other hand is a biometric technology that the CBN in conjunction with NIBSS introduced as a means of identifying and verifying people who have account(s) in any Nigerian bank. The BVN is also said to improve the Banking Industry’s ability to identify blacklisted customers, while serving as a universal means of identification across all Nigerian banks.
The Process
The process of linking BVN or NIN to your bank account can be done via any of the following ways:
Via SMS
Simply text BVN/NIN, your account number, and BVN/NIN number to the number/code provided by your service provider or bank. For example,
Zenith Bank users , Dial *966*NIN# and follow the prompts.
Access bank users, Dial *901*11# from your registered phone number.
Via Internet Banking
- Log in to the internet banking platform of your bank and select the BVN/NIN option.
- Click on ‘new request’, and enter your BVN/NIN,
- Select the bank that issued your BVN/NIN
- Answer the secret question and follow the instructions.
Via Email Request
Send an email request to your account officer. You can find your account officer via the internet banking platform.
Visit Your Bank
Visit your nearest bank branch if you have more concerns, questions or queries.