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Send Money from Canada to Nigeria

Compare regularly updated CAD → NGN rates from 17+ providers. No hidden fees.

Why People Send Money Canada → Nigeria

Canada's Nigerian community has grown rapidly — Toronto, Ottawa, and Calgary host substantial Nigerian diaspora populations. Remittances support family members through education costs, housing, and daily living expenses. Nigeria is among the top 10 global remittance recipients, and the CAD→NGN corridor has grown significantly over the past decade.

Pro Tip: Check for OPay and Mobile Money Support

OPay has become one of the most popular payment apps in Nigeria with over 35 million users. Sending directly to an OPay account is faster than a bank transfer and your recipient can spend funds immediately at millions of merchants.

How to send money from Canada to Nigeria

  1. Compare current rates: Use the table at the top of this page. CAD→NGN rates vary significantly across providers — the exchange rate margin, not just the fee, is the biggest driver of total cost.
  2. Create an account: Sign up with a Canadian government-issued ID. First-time senders may receive a promotional offer — WorldRemit frequently run fee-free first transfer campaigns.
  3. Enter Nigerian recipient details: For bank transfers, you need the Nigerian account number and bank name. For OPay or mobile money, just the registered phone number. Always double-check the account number before confirming.
  4. Fund the transfer: Interac e-Transfer and pre-authorised bank debit are the most convenient and cost-effective funding options in Canada. Card payments are faster but may cost slightly more.
  5. Monitor delivery: Track the transfer through your provider's app or website. First transfers to new recipients may take up to 2 business days as the provider performs standard compliance checks.

What to know

Naira exchange rate situation

The Nigerian Naira (NGN) has experienced significant depreciation in recent years. The CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria) unified the official and parallel market rates, but rates can still fluctuate. Always check the actual NGN amount your recipient receives rather than calculating from a fixed rate — this can change meaningfully day to day.

Nigerian bank account numbers

Nigerian bank account numbers are 10 digits (NUBAN format). Unlike European IBANs, there is no prefix — just 10 numeric digits. Verify the account number carefully. Most providers will confirm the account name before you send, which is a useful fraud check.

OPay and Kuda as alternatives to banks

Many younger Nigerians now use fintech banks like OPay, Kuda, or Opay over traditional banks. These accept direct transfers from international senders. WorldRemit both support OPay delivery. Funds are accessible immediately through the app for spending, bills, and transfers to other users.

WorldRemit lead for Canada-to-Nigeria with competitive CAD/NGN rates and support for OPay mobile money delivery. TapTap Send (a WorldRemit Group product) offers zero-fee transfers to Nigeria — excellent value for amounts under CAD $500. Wise supports Nigerian bank accounts at mid-market rates but can be slower than specialist remittance providers. Western Union and MoneyGram are the best options for cash pickup across Nigeria, including rural areas and smaller cities.

FAQs

How long does a transfer from Canada to Nigeria take?

WorldRemit typically deliver to Nigerian bank accounts within 1–2 business days. OPay mobile money delivery can be within a few hours. Cash pickup through Western Union is usually available within minutes. First-time transfers may be slower due to compliance review.

What is the best CAD to NGN exchange rate?

Rates change daily and vary between providers. Wise offers the mid-market rate with a transparent fee. TapTap Send offers zero fees with a small rate margin. Use our live comparison table for the most accurate view — the NGN amount received is the only true measure.

Can I send to an OPay account from Canada?

Yes. WorldRemit both support OPay delivery from Canada. Select mobile money as the transfer method and enter your recipient's OPay-registered phone number including the +234 country code. Funds typically arrive within 1–3 hours.

Is it safe to send money to Nigeria from Canada?

Yes, using licensed providers. Wise, WorldRemit, and Western Union are all licensed by FINTRAC in Canada and by equivalent regulators in their home jurisdictions. Avoid informal or unlicensed channels — use only established, regulated providers.

What is the Nigerian NUBAN account number format?

NUBAN (Nigeria Uniform Bank Account Number) is a 10-digit account number assigned by the CBN to every bank account in Nigeria. It has no letters or special characters — just 10 digits. Most providers will display the confirmed account name before you finalise the transfer, giving you a useful check against mistakes.

How much can I send from Canada to Nigeria?

Limits vary by provider and verification level. WorldRemit typically allows up to CAD $30,000 per transaction. Wise supports up to CAD $1,000,000 for fully verified accounts. FINTRAC requires reporting for transfers above CAD $10,000 — your provider handles this automatically.