Swift/BIC codes in Nigeria
SWIFT / BIC • Nigeria
SWIFT/BIC codes in Nigeria: 20 bank codes and how to read them
A SWIFT code, also called a BIC, is the 8 or 11 character identifier that banks use for international payments. Every Nigerian bank code has NG in the fifth and sixth positions, which is the country part. This guide lists 20 Nigerian bank codes, then shows how to read one.
The short version
Most Nigerian BICs look like ABNGNGLA: four letters for the bank, NG for Nigeria, then a location code. The 8-character code is the head office. Always confirm the exact code with the beneficiary bank before you send money.
How to read a Nigerian SWIFT code
Bank code (4 letters)
Country code
Location code
Optional branch code. XXX means head office.
The first four letters identify the institution, the next two are the ISO country code, the next two letters or digits are the location, and the optional last three identify a branch. When only eight characters are given, the code refers to the primary office.
20 Nigerian bank SWIFT codes
| Bank | SWIFT/BIC |
|---|---|
| Access Bank | ABNGNGLA |
| Ecobank Nigeria | ECOCNGLA |
| Fidelity Bank | FIDTNGLA |
| First Bank of Nigeria | FBNINGLA |
| First City Monument Bank (FCMB) | FCMBNGLA |
| Globus Bank | GLOUNGLA |
| Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) | GTBINGLA |
| Heritage Bank | HBCLNGLA |
| Jaiz Bank | JAIZNGLA |
| Keystone Bank | PLNINGLA |
| Polaris Bank | PRDTNGLA |
| Premium Trust Bank | PTRUNGLA |
| Providus Bank | UMPLNGLA |
| Stanbic IBTC Bank | SBICNGLX |
| Sterling Bank | NAMENGLA |
| United Bank for Africa (UBA) | UNAFNGLA |
| Wema Bank | WEMANGLA |
| Zenith Bank | ZEIBNGLA |
| Standard Chartered Bank Nigeria | SCBLNGLA |
| Citibank Nigeria | CITINGLA |
These are head office codes. Some banks also carry extra codes for particular departments or branches, and Stanbic IBTC, for example, has more than one. Fidelity Bank is sometimes shown with a different code, so confirm it with the bank. Use the head office code unless your bank tells you otherwise.
When do you need a SWIFT code?
For international wire transfers to or from Nigeria, you are usually asked for the receiving bank’s SWIFT/BIC code along with other details. Local transfers between Nigerian banks do not use it. For those you only need the account number and bank name.
5 checks before you use any code
◆ Confirm the code with your own bank or the beneficiary’s bank.
◆ Check the NG in positions five and six for a Nigerian bank.
◆ Use the 8-character head office code unless a branch code is requested.
◆ Be careful with lists that mix non-bank companies in with banks.
◆ Never pay a “SWIFT fee” to someone who contacts you first.
A SWIFT code identifies a bank, not your account. Get the code from the bank itself, and confirm it before you send anything abroad.
