By Miracle Akubuo, Adedoyin Oguntade
The Bank Verification Number (BVN) and the National Identification Number (NIN) are unique identifiers connected to an individual’s biometric information.
They serve to improve identity verification, reduce fraud, and boost financial inclusion.
BVN is a randomly assigned 11-digit number by banks to customers, while NIN is an 11-digit non-sequential number provided by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) during enrollment in the National Identity Database.
NIN is associated with biometric details like fingerprints and photos stored by NIMC, serving as the primary means of identification for Nigerian citizens and legal residents.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently mandated that Tier 1 bank accounts must be linked with BVN or NIN to comply with new regulations aimed at tightening security and preventing fraud.
This directive, effective since March 1, 2024, requires all Tier-1 bank accounts and wallets to be associated with a BVN and/or NIN, as per the circular issued by the CBN on December 1, 2023.
Here Are The Steps To Link Your NIN/BVN To Your Bank Account:
1.Gather Required Information: Ensure you have your NIN, BVN, and any other necessary identification documents.
2. Visit Your Bank: Go to the nearest branch of your bank. If your banks also offer online options for linking NIN and BVN, you may check their website or app to link your account.
3. Approach Customer Service: You can speak to a customer service representative or go to the help desk and inform them that you want to link your NIN and BVN to your bank account.
4. Provide Necessary Information: Present your NIN, BVN, and any other required identification documents to the bank representative in order to link your NIN and BVN to your bank.
5. Complete Necessary Forms: You may need to fill out a form or provide some additional details to complete the linking process. Follow the instructions given by the bank representative to fill.
6. Verification and Confirmation: The bank will verify the information provided and confirm the linkage of your NIN and BVN to your bank account.
7. Confirmation Message: Once the linking process is complete, you will receive a confirmation message via email, SMS, or through your bank’s mobile app to confirm you have linked your NIN and BVN.
8. Verify Linked Information: Double-check that your NIN and BVN are correctly linked to your bank account by logging into your online banking account and checking thoroughly or contacting customer service if necessary.
9. Keep Documentation Safe: Keep any confirmation messages or receipts provided by the bank as proof of the linkage process.
10. Follow Up (if necessary): If you encounter any issues or have concerns about the linking process, don’t hesitate to follow up with your bank for assistance.
To Link Your NIN/BVN To Your Online Bank:
1. Open the bank’s app on your phone.
2. Go to the profile or settings section.
3. Input your NIN and BVN details following the provided instructions.
4. Provide any supplementary information as prompted to complete the verification process.
5. Once all details are entered, submit the information for verification.
