Whether it’s for paying tuition, supporting family members, or settling business transactions, many Nigerians need to send money abroad. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) regulates international transfers, and there are several secure ways to do it legally.
Contents
📌 Step 1: Choose a Transfer Method1. Commercial Banks (SWIFT Transfers)2. International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs)3. Fintech & Digital Platforms4. Domiciliary Accounts + Bank Transfers📌 Step 2: Gather Required Documents📌 Step 3: Initiate the Transfer📌 Step 4: Fund the Transfer📌 Step 5: Confirm and Track the Payment📌 Step 6: Recipient Receives Funds✅ Final Tips
Here’s a step-by-step guide to sending money abroad from Nigeria.
📌 Step 1: Choose a Transfer Method
1. Commercial Banks (SWIFT Transfers)
- Most major banks (GTBank, Access, Zenith, First Bank, UBA) allow transfers abroad via SWIFT.
- Suitable for tuition, medical bills, and large business payments.
2. International Money Transfer Operators (IMTOs)
- Examples: Western Union, MoneyGram, Ria.
- Fast but usually limited in amount and purpose (family support, emergencies).
3. Fintech & Digital Platforms
- Flutterwave Send, Chipper Cash, Grey, Payoneer, Wise (TransferWise).
- Easy, often cheaper, and popular with freelancers, students, and SMEs.
4. Domiciliary Accounts + Bank Transfers
- With a USD, GBP, or EUR domiciliary account, you can pay directly to schools or business partners abroad.
- Fund the account via forex purchases, transfers, or cash deposits.
📌 Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Depending on the purpose of payment, you may need:
- Valid ID (NIN, Passport, Driver’s License, or Voter’s Card)
- BVN (Bank Verification Number)
- Recipient’s details (name, bank name, account number, SWIFT/BIC code, country)
- Proof of payment purpose, e.g.:
- Tuition → Admission letter, school invoice
- Medical bills → Hospital invoice
- Business → Proforma invoice, contract agreement
📌 Step 3: Initiate the Transfer
- Banks → Fill a Form A (for tuition, medicals, or official fees) or standard international transfer form.
- IMTOs → Visit bank/agent location, provide recipient details, pay in naira.
- Fintechs → Register, verify account with BVN/ID, fund wallet, then send money abroad directly.
📌 Step 4: Fund the Transfer
- Pay in naira at the bank or fund fintech apps using debit cards, bank transfers, or domiciliary account balances.
- Confirm exchange rates and transfer fees before proceeding.
📌 Step 5: Confirm and Track the Payment
- Banks and fintech platforms provide reference numbers or tracking codes.
- Share with the recipient so they can confirm when funds arrive.
- Processing times:
- Banks (SWIFT) → 2–7 working days
- IMTOs → minutes to hours
- Fintech apps → within 24–48 hours
📌 Step 6: Recipient Receives Funds
- Bank Transfers → Funds land in recipient’s foreign bank account.
- IMTOs → Family can collect cash at a local partner branch.
- Fintech Apps → Money is credited to recipient’s account or wallet.
✅ Final Tips
- Always use licensed CBN-approved platforms — avoid black-market operators.
- Compare exchange rates & transfer fees before choosing a method.
- For tuition or official payments, use Form A through banks to get official forex rates.
- Keep all receipts and confirmation codes for proof of payment.
