A Nigerian Uniform Bank Account Number (NUBAN) is a standardized 10-digit code that's used to identify specific bank accounts in Nigeria. NUBAN numbers function as standard bank account numbers in Nigeria, where they have been widely used by both individuals and organizations in the country since their adoption in 2011.
In this way, NUBAN numbers can be officially classed as bank identifiers, meaning that they are to Nigeria what IBAN numbers are to Europe and Routing numbers are to the US, for all intents and purposes.
Understanding NUBAN Numbers
In most cases — regardless of whether you're sending a wire transfer to Nigeria from abroad or making an ordinary bank transfer domestically — you'll need to find and use your recipient's NUBAN number in order to get the job done.
Fortunately, once you have your beneficiary's NUBAN, the process will likely be fairly straightforward from there, with few other details being required by the banks.
This due to the fact, after all, that NUBAN numbers were formalized by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to improve the country's previously-diverse electronic payments system in the first place. Despite this, according to the CBN, the current 10-digit format of the NUBAN may be changed to a 16-digit format in 2021.
NUBAN Structure
NUBAN numbers are made up of a series of 10 digits which bundle up crucial information about the bank and the specific account at that bank, as well as information relating to the validity of the number.
While each NUBAN number is completely unique, the code can be divided into two key parts, each with its own function and use.
The first of these parts is called the 'serial number', which is the first nine digits of the NUBAN and is calculated using a mathematical formula. This serial number is used to indicate which bank (e.g. Access Bank, Fidelity Bank, etc.) the NUBAN is associated with, as well as to point to a specific bank account at that bank:
0000001379
The final digit of the NUBAN is what's known as the 'check digit', and it plays a key role in determining whether the code in question is valid or not:
0000001379
If a NUBAN were to be typed incorrectly, for example, the error would very likely be detected by the check digit.
Note: The example NUBAN used above is fictitious. These numbers can be checked for validity using this NUBAN checker.
How Do I Find My NUBAN?
If you'd like to see your bank account's NUBAN number, you will likely find it clearly displayed on your online or mobile profile. Alternatively, it should also appear on your downloaded bank statement.
If your NUBAN number still does not display after trying these tips, then we’d advise you to contact your bank directly.
