You can receive money from the UK in Nigeria through an international bank transfer, a licensed money-transfer service or cash pickup. The best option depends on how quickly you need the money, the currency you want to receive and the total fees.
1. Receive Money Into Your Nigerian Bank Account
A sender in the UK can transfer money directly to your Nigerian bank account.
You may need to provide:
- Your full name as registered with the bank
- Your Nigerian bank name
- Your account number
- Your phone number
- Your bank’s SWIFT/BIC code, where required
- A domiciliary account number if the money is being sent in pounds or another foreign currency
The sender should confirm the transfer currency and all charges before paying. Some transfers arrive in naira, while others may be received in foreign currency through an eligible domiciliary account.
2. Use a Licensed Money-Transfer Service
The sender can use a regulated remittance provider that supports transfers from the UK to Nigeria. Depending on the provider, you may receive the money through:
- A Nigerian bank account
- Cash pickup at an approved location
- A mobile wallet or other supported payment method
Before sending, compare the provider’s exchange rate, transfer fee, delivery time and payout option. A provider’s rate is not the same as the official CBN rate or the Black Market rate.
Available Platforms to Send Money from UK to Nigeria
| Provider | Nigeria payout options to state |
|---|---|
| Remitly | Bank deposit, cash pickup and selected mobile wallets |
| MoneyGram | Bank deposit, cash pickup and mobile wallet |
| Western Union | Bank transfer and cash pickup |
| Wise | Bank transfer to Nigeria |
| WorldRemit | Bank transfer and cash pickup |
| Sendwave | Nigeria transfer route; confirm the available payout method in-app |
| TransferGo | Bank transfer |
| Instarem | Bank transfer |
| Taptap Send | Direct transfer to Nigerian bank accounts |
| NALA | Bank transfer and, where offered, mobile-money payout |
| LemFi | Bank-account transfer and supported P2P/payment-account routes |
3. Collect Cash at an Approved Location
For cash pickup, the sender usually needs your correct full name, phone number and destination country. You may need to present a valid means of identification and the transfer reference number before collecting funds.
Only collect money from approved bank branches or authorized agent locations. Do not share a transfer PIN or reference number with anyone you do not trust.
Important Things to Check
Before a transfer is sent, confirm:
- The amount the sender is paying in pounds
- The amount you are expected to receive in naira or foreign currency
- Transfer and exchange-rate charges
- The estimated delivery time
- Whether the transfer will go to a bank account or cash pickup
- The correct spelling of your name and account details
Can You Receive Pounds Directly in Nigeria?
You may be able to receive pounds into a GBP domiciliary account, subject to your bank’s terms and compliance checks. If you receive funds into a naira account, the amount may be converted using the bank or provider’s available rate.
If you plan to convert pounds to naira, check the current GBP/NGN reference rate first, then confirm the final amount and charges with your bank or transfer provider.
Safety Tips
- Use licensed banks and regulated remittance services.
- Confirm the sender’s name and transfer details.
- Never pay an unexpected “release fee” to receive a legitimate transfer.
- Keep your receipt and transfer reference until the money is received.
- Contact the provider or bank directly if a transfer is delayed.
Receiving money from the UK is easy when the sender uses a trusted channel and both sides confirm the fees, currency and payout method before sending.
Rates and fees change. Abiwin’s exchange-rate information is for reference; confirm the final payout amount directly with the bank or transfer provider.
