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Send Money from the UK to Nigeria

Compare current GBP → NGN rates from 17+ providers. Find the best deal now.

Why People Send Money UK → Nigeria

The UK has one of the largest Nigerian communities outside Africa — over 200,000 Nigerian-born residents. Remittances support families, fund property construction, cover school fees, and invest in businesses. The UK→Nigeria corridor is one of the busiest in Africa-bound remittances globally.

Pro Tip: Confirm NGN delivery before sending

Some providers list Nigeria but only deliver in USD to a domiciliary account. Always verify you are getting direct NGN delivery to a standard Naira account — your recipient gets a worse rate if their bank has to convert from USD.

How to send money from UK to Nigeria

  1. Compare GBP→NGN rates: Check the live table above and focus on the NGN amount your recipient receives — not just the fee. Some providers quote rates in USD for Nigeria, which obscures the true cost.
  2. Sign up with your chosen provider: Register using a UK passport or biometric residence permit. Most providers complete KYC in under 5 minutes. WorldRemit both have strong Nigeria-specific onboarding.
  3. Enter Nigerian bank details: You need the recipient's 10-digit NUBAN account number and bank name (GTBank, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, First Bank, UBA, etc.). Nigerian accounts do not use IBANs — the 10-digit number is all you need plus the bank name.
  4. Verify the payout currency is NGN: Before confirming, double-check the delivery is in Naira to a standard Naira account. Avoid USD delivery to a domiciliary account unless your recipient specifically needs that.
  5. Confirm and track: Most providers send SMS notifications to Nigerian mobile numbers on delivery. First-time transfers to Nigeria may take slightly longer due to compliance review — allow 1–3 business days.

What to know

Nigerian 10-digit NUBAN account number

Nigeria uses a unique 10-digit bank account number called NUBAN (Nigeria Uniform Bank Account Number) — not an IBAN. Every account has one unique number that stays the same even if you change banks. Recipients can find it in their banking app, on a bank statement, or by dialing a USSD code (e.g. *737# for GTBank, *901# for Access Bank).

NGN vs USD delivery matters

Due to Nigeria's past foreign exchange restrictions, some providers route transfers as USD to a "domiciliary account." This means your recipient receives USD and must convert at their bank's rate — often less favourable than the mid-market rate. Always confirm your provider delivers NGN directly to a standard Naira account.

UK FCA regulations on large transfers

UK-regulated providers must apply enhanced due diligence for transfers above £10,000. You may be asked to document the purpose of the transfer. Providers handle reporting to HMRC automatically — you simply need a valid explanation (family support, business payment, etc.) and your identity documents.

WorldRemit lead for UK→Nigeria transfers with direct NGN delivery and mobile money support including OPay. TapTap Send (a WorldRemit Group brand) offers zero fees with a competitive exchange rate margin — excellent for smaller amounts under £300. Wise supports Nigerian bank transfers at competitive rates. Western Union has good cash pickup coverage across Nigeria including smaller cities. ACE Money Transfer specialises in UK→African corridors and is worth comparing for this route.

FAQs

How long does a transfer from UK to Nigeria take?

WorldRemit typically deliver to Nigerian bank accounts within 1–2 business days. Express options may deliver same-day at higher cost. Cash pickup through Western Union is usually available within minutes.

Which provider has the best GBP to NGN exchange rate?

Rates vary significantly between providers for GBP→NGN. Wise and WorldRemit are generally competitive. Always compare the actual NGN amount your recipient gets in our live table — that is the only meaningful comparison metric.

Can I send money to any Nigerian bank from the UK?

Yes. All major Nigerian banks are supported — GTBank, Access Bank, Zenith Bank, First Bank, UBA, Fidelity, Polaris. You need the recipient's 10-digit NUBAN account number and bank name.

Does TapTap Send support UK to Nigeria transfers?

Yes. TapTap Send offers fee-free transfers from the UK to Nigeria with a small exchange rate margin. It supports direct NGN bank delivery. The app is simple and well-suited for regular smaller transfers of under £500.

Can I send money to an OPay account in Nigeria from the UK?

Yes. WorldRemit both support OPay as a payout option. Select mobile money as the delivery method and enter the OPay-registered mobile number. Delivery is typically within 30 minutes to a few hours.

Is it safe to send money to Nigeria from the UK online?

Yes, using FCA-regulated providers. Wise, WorldRemit, and Western Union are all authorised by the UK Financial Conduct Authority. Avoid unlicensed informal transfer networks (Hawala/Hundi) — they offer no consumer protection and are illegal in the UK.