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The short answer
To reactivate an inactive FirstBank account, visit a branch with a valid ID, proof of your current address and your BVN, and ask for the account to be reactivated; the CBN's Guide to Charges says reactivation should be free. If the account has been inactive for 10 years or more, FirstBank says the balance is transferred to the CBN, and you reclaim it by completing an Asset Reclaim Form at any branch with evidence of ownership, ID, proof of residence and an affidavit.
An account you stopped using can go quiet in stages. First the bank restricts it so that nothing can be taken out without your identity being checked again. Much later, an untouched balance can be moved out of the bank altogether. Both stages are reversible. This guide explains what FirstBank says about each, what to bring and what to expect, using FirstBank's and the CBN's pages as checked in October 2026.
Inactive, dormant and transferred
- Inactive or dormant
- An account with no customer-initiated activity for a period. Banks restrict withdrawals until you update your details. FirstBank's dormant account page does not state the shorter period after which it restricts an account; ask FirstContact.
- Eligible dormant (10 years+)
- FirstBank says accounts inactive for 10 years or more are eligible dormant accounts whose balances are transferred to the CBN.
- Reclaimed
- The owner proves ownership and the CBN refunds the balance through the bank.
The difference matters. A restricted account is reactivated at the branch. A balance already transferred to the CBN must be reclaimed through a formal process.
Reactivating a restricted account
- Go to any FirstBank branch, ideally your own, with a valid ID such as your national ID or NIN slip, international passport, driver's licence or voter's card.
- Bring proof of your current address, such as a recent utility bill, and know your BVN.
- Ask for a reactivation or account update form. Fill in your current phone number and email.
- Make sure your BVN and NIN are linked. Since a CBN directive of December 2023, funded Tier 1 accounts without BVN or NIN may be placed on Post No Debit or Credit; see linking BVN and NIN to First Bank.
- Make a small deposit or withdrawal once the bank confirms, so the account shows customer activity.
- Re-register for *894# and FirstMobile if your phone number has changed.
The CBN's Guide to Charges (effective January 2020) lists account reactivation as carrying no charge. If you are asked to pay a reactivation fee, ask for it in writing and query it.
Reclaiming a balance moved to the CBN
FirstBank's dormant account page sets out the reclaim process for balances already transferred:
- Lists of transferred balances are published on FirstBank's and the CBN's websites and in newspapers.
- Complete an Asset Reclaim Form at any FirstBank branch.
- Provide evidence of account ownership (old statements, cheque books, letters, alerts), a valid ID, proof of current residence and an affidavit affirming the information is accurate.
- FirstBank verifies the claim and sends it to the CBN within 10 working days.
- The CBN refunds the balance through FirstBank within 10 working days of receiving the bank's request.
- Interest is payable at a rate the CBN sets from time to time.
Worked example
Example only. Musa finds his late father's FirstBank account on a published dormant list. As the owner is deceased, Musa would need letters of administration or probate as well as the documents above; ask the branch exactly what an estate claim needs. If the bank sends the claim on day 10 and the CBN pays on day 10 after that, the money could be back in about 20 working days, roughly four weeks, if nothing is missing.
What to check first
- Your name on the account matches your current ID and BVN record; bring a marriage certificate or sworn declaration if your name has changed. See BVN vs NIN.
- You have proof of ownership if the account is very old.
- The phone number on record is yours, or update it at the same visit; see changing your First Bank phone number.
- You do not pay anyone outside the bank to 'trace' or 'release' a dormant balance.
Why accounts go dormant, and how to keep one alive
Banks restrict quiet accounts because they are attractive to fraudsters: an account nobody checks can be used without the owner noticing. The restriction protects you, but it also means your money is not available when you need it. To keep an account you rarely use in good standing, make at least one small transaction you start yourself from time to time, such as a transfer, a withdrawal or an airtime purchase from the account. Credits from others, interest and bank charges may not count as customer activity, so do not rely on them. Keep your phone number and email current so the bank can reach you before it restricts the account.
Living abroad
If you are outside Nigeria, write to diasporabanking@firstbanknigeria.com or firstcontact@firstbanknigeria.com first. FirstBank's FAQ lists notarised ID and address for diaspora accounts, so expect similar requirements. The affidavit for a reclaim is normally sworn in Nigeria; ask whether a notarised foreign equivalent is accepted.
Where Pryme fits
If you are reactivating an old account to receive money from abroad, a Pryme account, which can be opened from any country, is another option. See how Pryme works.
Questions people ask
How do I reactivate my dormant First Bank account?
Visit a branch with valid ID, proof of address and your BVN, complete the update or reactivation form and make a transaction once the bank confirms. The CBN says reactivation is free.
How long before a First Bank account becomes dormant?
FirstBank's page says accounts inactive for 10 years or more are transferred to the CBN. It does not state the shorter period after which it restricts an account; ask FirstContact.
Can I reactivate my First Bank account online?
The pages we checked describe branch processes. Ask FirstContact whether an online update is available for your account.
How do I get my money back from a dormant account transferred to CBN?
Complete an Asset Reclaim Form at a FirstBank branch with proof of ownership, ID, proof of residence and an affidavit. FirstBank and the CBN each have 10 working days to process it.
Sources
- FirstBank: Dormant Account · accessed Oct 2026
- CBN: Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions (effective 1 January 2020) · accessed Oct 2026
- ICIR: CBN to freeze bank accounts without BVN, NIN (2 Dec 2023) · accessed Oct 2026
- FirstBank: Frequently asked questions · accessed Oct 2026
This article is general information, not financial, legal or tax advice. Products described are provided under the terms on this site and are subject to regulation and eligibility.