A SWIFT code, also known as a BIC (Bank Identifier Code), is the international address of a bank. It is the single most important piece of information needed whenever money is sent across borders, because it tells the global banking network exactly which bank should receive the funds. If you are receiving money from abroad into a Nigerian account, or sending money out of the country, you will be asked for the SWIFT code of the bank involved.
This page brings together the SWIFT/BIC codes for all the major banks in Nigeria in one place, along with everything you need to know to use them. Every Nigerian bank uses a single SWIFT code for all of its branches nationwide, so the same code works no matter which branch holds your account or in which city it was opened.
Select any bank in the table below to open its complete guide, which explains how to receive and send money internationally with that bank, the difference between its SWIFT code and its sort codes, its branches and contact details, and a full profile of the bank itself.
Each code is eight characters long and refers to the bank’s head office, which is all that is needed to receive an international transfer. Some senders ask for an eleven character version, in which case you simply add XXX to the end of the eight character code, for example GTBINGLAXXX, which still points to the primary office. Note that some digital banks and fintechs, such as Kuda, OPay, Moniepoint and PalmPay, do not have their own SWIFT code at all; their guides explain how to receive money from abroad instead.
How to Receive International Money into a Nigerian Bank
Receiving money from abroad is straightforward once you know your bank’s SWIFT code. You give the person sending the money a short list of details, and their bank uses the SWIFT network to route the transfer to your bank in Nigeria. The sender will normally need the following.
Your account name, exactly as it appears on your bank account
Your ten digit account number
The bank name, for example Guaranty Trust Bank or Access Bank
The SWIFT/BIC code of your bank, from the table above
The bank’s address, which you can find on the bank’s guide page
Because Nigeria does not use the IBAN system, you can leave any IBAN field blank and simply provide the SWIFT code and account number. If the money is being sent in a foreign currency such as US dollars, British pounds or euros, you will usually need a domiciliary account, which is a bank account designed to receive and hold foreign currency. Most international transfers arrive within one to five working days, depending on the sending bank and any intermediary banks the payment passes through.
How to Send Money Abroad from a Nigerian Bank
To send money out of Nigeria, you normally use a domiciliary account and provide the recipient’s details, including their bank’s SWIFT code, their account number or IBAN, their name and their bank’s address. International transfers are subject to the limits and documentation requirements set by the Central Bank of Nigeria, and your bank will apply its own exchange rate and charges. For large transfers, it is wise to confirm the current limits and fees with your bank in advance.
SWIFT Code vs Sort Code vs IBAN
These three terms are often confused, but they do different jobs, as the table below shows.
Term
Used for
Notes
SWIFT / BIC code
International transfers
Identifies the bank; 8 or 11 characters; one per bank in Nigeria
Sort code
Domestic transfers in Nigeria
Nine digit number identifying a specific branch; differs per branch
IBAN
International transfers in some countries
A long account level code; not used in Nigeria
For money coming from another country into a Nigerian account, the SWIFT code is the one you need. The sort code matters only for certain local transfers within Nigeria, and IBAN does not apply to Nigerian accounts at all.
Why Nigerian Banks Use a Single SWIFT Code
In some countries, large banks assign a different SWIFT code to each major branch or region. Nigerian banks generally do not do this. Instead, each bank operates one SWIFT code that covers the entire institution, with all international transfers routed through the bank’s head office and then on to the correct account. This makes life simpler, because you never have to hunt for a branch specific code; the single code listed for your bank in the table above will always work.
How to Find Your Bank’s SWIFT Code
Besides the table on this page, you can find your bank’s SWIFT code on the bank’s official website, within your mobile or internet banking app, on an official bank statement, or by calling the bank’s customer care line. If you are ever unsure, it is safest to confirm the code directly with your bank before sharing it for a large transfer.
Tips to Save Money on International Transfers
When money is sent internationally, the cost is not only the visible transfer fee. Banks and providers also apply an exchange rate when converting between currencies, and this rate often includes a margin above the true mid market rate. On larger amounts, that margin can quietly cost more than the fee itself. Before sending or choosing how to receive money, it is worth comparing the total cost across your options, including specialist services such as Wise, which typically use the mid market rate with a clear separate fee, and a domiciliary account, which lets you receive and hold foreign currency directly. To understand the mechanics in more detail, read our guide on what a SWIFT code is and how it works.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Nigerian banks have one SWIFT code or many?
Most Nigerian banks use a single SWIFT code for the whole bank, so the same code works for every branch nationwide.
Which SWIFT code do I give to receive money from abroad?
Use your bank’s SWIFT code from the table above, together with your account name and ten digit account number.
Is a SWIFT code the same as a sort code?
No. A SWIFT code is for international transfers and identifies the bank, while a sort code is a nine digit number that identifies a specific branch for domestic transfers within Nigeria.
Does Nigeria use IBAN?
No. Nigeria does not use the IBAN system. If a form asks for an IBAN, leave it blank and provide the SWIFT code and account number instead.
Is it safe to share my SWIFT code?
Yes. A SWIFT code only identifies your bank and cannot be used to withdraw money from your account, so it is safe to share with anyone sending you money. Never share your PIN, password or one time codes.
How long does an international transfer to Nigeria take?
Most transfers arrive within one to five working days, depending on the sending bank and any intermediary banks involved.
Conclusion
The table above gives the SWIFT/BIC code for every major bank in Nigeria, and each linked guide walks you through exactly how to receive and send money internationally with that bank, along with its sort codes, branches and full profile. Always confirm the details with your bank for large transfers, and compare the full cost, including the exchange rate, before you send.
How to confirm this code
SWIFT/BIC codes change when a bank restructures, merges, or opens new international operations, and some Nigerian institutions route international transfers through a correspondent bank rather than a code of their own. Before you send money, confirm the code directly with the bank, through its official app or customer care line, or by looking the institution up in the official SWIFT/BIC directory at swift.com. Sending to an incorrect or outdated SWIFT code can delay a transfer by days or route it to the wrong institution, and recovering misrouted funds is slow and sometimes costly. The details on this page are compiled from the bank’s own published information and the SWIFT registry.
