Should Nigerians in Diaspora Pay for BVN Processing? A Case for Equity and Inclusion


The Bank Verification Number (BVN) was introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to enhance financial security and uniquely identify bank customers. It has become a crucial tool in curbing fraud, enabling identity verification, and driving financial inclusion. However, a contentious issue has emerged the imposition of processing fees on Nigerians in the diaspora seeking to obtain their BVNs.

The Diaspora Dilemma

For Nigerians residing within the country, BVN enrollment is typically free and straightforward. But for those living abroad, especially in Europe, North America, and parts of Asia, accessing this vital service often comes with a price tag. In many cases, diaspora Nigerians must travel to designated biometric centers, usually in capital cities, and pay significant fees sometimes in foreign currency to complete the process.

This practice has raised important questions: Should a national identity requirement come at a cost to citizens simply because they are abroad? Is this policy fair, or does it reflect a deeper imbalance in how the Nigerian system engages with its diaspora?

A Revenue Tool or Public Service?

At its core, the BVN is a public good, not a luxury. It is a regulatory requirement, and its provision should not be monetized differently based on geographic location. While it's understandable that logistical challenges exist when setting up biometric centers overseas, the burden of those costs should not fall squarely on the shoulders of diaspora Nigerians.

The Nigerian diaspora contributes over $20 billion annually in remittances, making it one of the largest sources of foreign exchange inflows to the country. Treating these citizens as cash cows undermines the spirit of national identity and inclusion.

The Equity Question

BVN access is not just a matter of convenience, it is a gateway to participating in Nigeria’s financial and economic system. If a Nigerian living in Lagos can walk into a bank and enroll for free, why should a Nigerian in London or Toronto pay for the same right? This disparity fuels a sense of exclusion and questions the sincerity of efforts to engage the diaspora meaningfully.

Risks to Financial Inclusion

One unintended consequence of this fee-driven approach is reduced compliance. Many diaspora Nigerians especially students, low-income earners, and elderly citizens, may simply opt out of the process. This undermines the CBN’s financial inclusion goals and restricts diaspora involvement in economic activities back home.

Rethinking the Approach

Rather than allowing private vendors or banks to profit from a compulsory national process, the Nigerian government should explore more inclusive, equitable solutions:

Subsidize BVN registration abroad, using Nigerian embassies or high commissions.

Develop secure digital platforms that allow remote pre-registration and identity verification.

Clearly communicate and regulate any necessary fees, ensuring transparency and accountability.


Conclusion

BVN is more than a number, it's a symbol of identity, security, and national belonging. Nigerians in the diaspora should not be financially penalized for fulfilling a civic obligation. It's time for policymakers to rethink the approach and ensure that national identity remains a right, not a privilege based on location.

By Insight by Oppy

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