Nigeria's BVN Enrolments Exceed 70 Million in 2026

As of September 28, 2026, Nigeria's Bank Verification Number (BVN) database has surpassed 70 million enrolments, totaling 70,347,047. This significant milestone is part of Nigeria's initiative to strengthen financial identity and combat banking fraud, as reported by the Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS).

The BVN system, introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2014, has become a crucial element of the country's financial identity framework. Enrolments have steadily increased from approximately 51.9 million in 2021 to 63.5 million in 2024, and 67.8 million by the end of 2025.

In 2026, the figures rose from 68.6 million in March to 70 million in September. The CBN has implemented stricter BVN-related measures, including limiting enrolment to individuals aged 18 and above and restricting phone-number changes linked to BVN records.

Additionally, a temporary fraud watchlist mechanism for suspicious transactions was introduced, enhancing security against identity-related fraud.