Wema Bank SWIFT Code Nigeria: WEMANGLA, Head Office BIC and Branch Codes
Wema Bank Plc’s main SWIFT/BIC is WEMANGLA, while the eleven-character head-office version is WEMANGLAXXX. Current public BIC records also show that specific Wema Bank locations can have more detailed eleven-character identifiers.
This makes Wema Bank a useful example of why an international transfer should not always be completed by simply copying the first eight-character code found online.
Wema Bank SWIFT Codes
| BIC | Type |
|---|---|
| WEMANGLA | Main 8-character BIC |
| WEMANGLAXXX | Head-office BIC |
| WEMANGLA02K | Listed branch-specific BIC for Kano |
What Is Wema Bank’s Main SWIFT Code?
The principal eight-character code is WEMANGLA.
The head-office eleven-character form is WEMANGLAXXX.
Current BIC records list the head office at 54 Marina, Wema Towers, Lagos.
Breaking Down WEMANGLA
- WEMA — Wema Bank Plc.
- NG — Nigeria.
- LA — location component.
The additional three characters identify the relevant branch or office.
Why the 11-Character Version Matters
Many people searching for a bank’s SWIFT code only want the eight-character BIC. That is often sufficient for a payment system, but not always.
When an eleven-character BIC is required, the bank’s head-office form is WEMANGLAXXX.
If a specific branch has its own verified BIC, however, the branch code may be more appropriate for that transaction.
Wema Bank Branch-Specific BICs
Current public records list WEMANGLA02K for a Wema Bank location in Kano.
This is structurally different from WEMANGLAXXX:
- WEMANGLAXXX — head office.
- WEMANGLA02K — specific listed branch/location.
The existence of one branch-specific code does not mean that every Wema Bank branch uses a unique SWIFT code.
Which Code Should You Give an Overseas Sender?
Start with the recipient’s actual banking instructions.
If Wema Bank has provided a specific branch BIC for the payment, use that exact code.
If the recipient has only been given the general bank BIC and the sending system accepts eight characters, WEMANGLA is the principal code.
If eleven characters are required and the head-office form applies, use WEMANGLAXXX.
Wema Bank Head Office
Current BIC information lists Wema Bank Plc at 54 Marina, Wema Towers, Lagos.
The address can be required on international payment forms, but the beneficiary should confirm the current banking instructions before a high-value transfer.
Receiving an International Payment
A Wema Bank customer expecting money from overseas should give the sender a complete set of payment details.
- Beneficiary’s name.
- Account number.
- Wema Bank Plc as the bank name.
- Correct SWIFT/BIC.
- Bank address where requested.
- Currency.
- Correspondent-bank details if applicable.
Example: Wema Bank Customer in Kano
Suppose the recipient’s payment instructions specifically identify the Kano BIC WEMANGLA02K.
The sender should use that branch-specific code rather than replacing it with the generic head-office code without checking.
The beneficiary’s account number and name are still required.
Example: General Wema Bank Payment
If the recipient has not been given a branch-specific BIC and the payment instructions call for Wema Bank’s main code, the sender may be instructed to use WEMANGLA.
For an eleven-character head-office field, the corresponding code is WEMANGLAXXX.
SWIFT vs Sort Code
WEMANGLA is an international BIC. It should not be confused with a Nigerian domestic sort code.
A sort code and SWIFT/BIC can both identify banking institutions, but they serve different payment environments.
SWIFT vs Account Number
The BIC tells the payment system which bank or branch is involved. The account number identifies the customer account.
Consequently, WEMANGLA is not a substitute for a Wema Bank account number.
Common Wema Bank SWIFT Mistakes
- Assuming WEMANGLAXXX is the only possible Wema BIC.
- Using WEMANGLA02K for every Wema Bank branch.
- Changing branch characters without verification.
- Leaving out the beneficiary’s account number.
- Confusing SWIFT with a domestic sort code.
- Using an old bank address.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wema Bank’s SWIFT code?
The principal eight-character BIC is WEMANGLA.
What is Wema Bank’s head-office SWIFT code?
The eleven-character head-office BIC is WEMANGLAXXX.
Does Wema Bank have branch-specific SWIFT codes?
Current public records list branch-specific codes, including WEMANGLA02K for a Kano location.
Should I always use WEMANGLAXXX?
No. If a verified branch-specific BIC has been supplied for the transaction, that code may be the appropriate one.
Is WEMANGLA an account number?
No. It is the bank’s SWIFT/BIC identifier.
Conclusion
Wema Bank Plc’s main SWIFT/BIC is WEMANGLA, while WEMANGLAXXX identifies the head office in the eleven-character format. Because current records also show branch-specific BICs, the safest approach is to use the exact code supplied in the beneficiary’s current international payment instructions.