Nigeria N80,000 BVN Fee for Nigerians Abroad: Financial Inclusion or Exclusion?

Nigerians abroad must now pay $50 (₦80,000) to get their Bank Verification Number (BVN), a move critics say penalises diaspora citizens trying to stay connected to the system.

• The CBN launched a Non-Resident BVN platform for Nigerians overseas
• Remote registration is now possible, but it costs $50 per person
• Domestic BVN registration remains free
• Required documents include a passport, proof of residence, and tax records
• Applicants get their BVN within 72 hours after successful payment

The CBN says it’s about inclusion, giving diaspora Nigerians a seamless way to access financial services from abroad. But at ₦80,000 per head (thanks to exchange rates), the fee feels like a steep ask for those simply trying to stay financially visible at home. It also reopens the old question: why do Nigerians often have to pay more for access, not less, especially when sending money back?

What's your perspective: Is this expanding access or charging for connection? When does inclusion stop being inclusive?

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