BVN/NIN Linkage Deadline: Lagos Residents Besiege Banks, Seek Extension

In a bid to comply with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) directive on the linkage of Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) and National Identification Numbers (NIN) to bank accounts, Lagos residents have been flooding various bank branches across the city.

The deadline for this linkage was given in a circular issued by the CBN on December 1, 2023. The directive was addressed to all commercial, merchant, non-interest, and payment services banks, as well as other financial institutions and mobile money operators.

The apex bank stated that from March 1, 2024, defaulting accounts would not be able to carry out transactions.

However, many bank customers have requested an extension of the deadline due to the challenges faced during the process.

Some expressed concerns about the security implications of registering online, while others were unable to complete the process due to long lines and limited assistance from bank officials.

In response to the high demand, banks have implemented various measures to assist customers in meeting the deadline.

Some banks, such as GTCO and Polaris Bank, have provided customers with specific codes and instructions for online registration, while others, like FirstBank, require customers to bring their NIN slips, BVN, and a current passport photograph to complete the process.

Despite the efforts of the banks, many customers are still facing difficulties in meeting the deadline.

The situation has led to a sense of urgency and concern among customers, with some questioning the feasibility of the deadline and the potential consequences of not meeting it.

As the deadline approaches, it remains to be seen if the CBN will extend the deadline to accommodate the needs of the customers and allow them to complete the linkage process without undue stress and inconvenience.