Federal Government Mandates BVN And NIN Linkage For All Bank Accounts In Nigeria.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a directive requiring all bank account holders to link their Bank Verification Number (BVN) and National Identification Number (NIN) to their accounts, as part of efforts to enhance financial security and transparency across the nation. The announcement, made on 29th July 2025, aims to streamline banking operations and curb fraudulent activities within the financial sector.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in collaboration with the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), has instructed commercial banks and other financial institutions to ensure full compliance with the BVN-NIN linkage requirement. This directive applies to both individual and corporate accounts, with a deadline set for completion to be announced soon. The move is seen as a critical step towards strengthening Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, aligning with global standards for identity verification and anti-money laundering measures.
According to a statement from the CBN, the linkage of BVN and NIN will enhance the traceability of transactions, reduce incidents of identity theft, and improve the overall integrity of the banking system. The initiative builds on previous efforts to integrate digital identification systems into Nigeria’s financial infrastructure, ensuring that all account holders are uniquely identifiable. This is expected to bolster confidence in the banking sector and support the government’s broader economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
The directive has been met with widespread support from financial experts and stakeholders, who view it as a proactive measure to combat fraud and promote accountability. The NIBSS has assured account holders that the process will be seamless, with banks providing clear guidance on how to link their BVN and NIN. Customers who have not yet enrolled for a NIN have been urged to do so promptly through designated centres nationwide to avoid disruptions to their banking services.
The Federal Government has also emphasised the importance of public cooperation to ensure the success of this initiative. In a statement, the CBN encouraged Nigerians to comply promptly, noting that failure to link BVN and NIN could result in restrictions on account operations, including limitations on transactions. To facilitate the process, banks have been directed to deploy additional resources, including online platforms and customer support services, to assist account holders.
This move comes amid ongoing efforts by the Tinubu administration to modernise Nigeria’s financial systems and promote digital inclusion. The government has highlighted its commitment to creating a secure and efficient banking environment that supports economic growth and protects citizens from financial crimes. The BVN-NIN linkage is expected to pave the way for further innovations in Nigeria’s financial sector, including enhanced digital banking services and improved access to credit for businesses and individuals.
As the nation prepares for the implementation of this directive, the CBN has called on all stakeholders, including financial institutions and the public, to work together to achieve full compliance. The initiative is poised to mark a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards a more secure and transparent financial landscape, reinforcing its position as a leader in financial innovation within Africa.
