Nigerian banks have released various steps for customers to link their National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) to their bank account(s). The messages follow the Central Bank of Nigeria’s instruction that banks should place restrictions on all Tier 1 bank accounts without BVN or NIN by March 1, 2024.
To make it easy, banks have provided four different methods customers can use to link their accounts. They are listed below:
1. Visiting bank(s) branches and requesting for NIN form
2. Via USSD code and SMS
3. Internet Banking
4. Bank(s) mobile apps
A. Ecobank
Ecobank said customers can follow these steps:
1. Kindly click on the customer update link https://customerupdate.ecobank.com/ciu/login.
2. Input your account details
3. Tick the terms and conditions box
4. An OTP will be sent to your registered email address
5. Input OTP and submit
6. Click on Request
7. Select statutory ID or identification update and upload a copy of your NIN document.
8. Tick the acceptance box and submit.
B. GTbank
GTbank said the process of linking BVN and NIN to a bank account can be completed using any of these channels:
1. Dial *737*20*BVN# from your registered mobile number to link your BVN
2. Visit our website, www.gtbank.com self-service portal, to link your BVN and NIN
3. Visit the nearest GTBank branch to link your BVN and NIN to your account.
C. Access Bank
1. Dial *901*11# from your registered phone number.
2. Follow the prompts on the screen and enter your NIN and BVN when requested.
3. Confirm your details and submit. You will receive confirmation that your NIN has been successfully linked to your Access Bank account.
4. Or Visit the Access Bank website at www.accessbankplc.com or https://www.accessbankplc.com/help/bank-verification-number.
5. Click on the “NIN/BVN Linkage” banner on the homepage or go to www.accessbankplc.com/nin-by-linkage.
6. Enter your Access Bank account number, NIN, and BVN in the fields provided.
7. Click on the “Submit” button and wait for the verification process. You will receive confirmation that your NIN has been successfully linked to your Access Bank account.
D. Zenith Bank
Zenith Bank also provided steps to guide customers.
To link your NIN or BVN to your account:
1. Dial *966*NIN# and follow the prompts.
2. To link your BVN to your account:
3. Or via internet banking
4. Log in to the platform
5. Click “Account” on the Menu
6. Select “Update Account (NIN)” or “BVN Update”
7. Complete and submit the e-form
E. UBA
For United Bank for Africa, the banks said customers can:
1. Send Hi to Leo and select NIN updates on Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Apple Messages or through www.ubagroup.com/leo.
2. It said another option is to visit ubagroup.com/nigeria/select self-service, and follow the instructions.
Other Nigerian banks’ processes to link can be found on their website, on social media platforms, or by visiting their branches.
