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The short answer
Money from abroad reaches a FirstBank account either by SWIFT bank transfer, using SWIFT code FBNINGLA with your account name and number, or through a CBN-recognised international money transfer operator that pays into your account or for cash collection. FirstBank's FAQ says diaspora accounts can be funded from CBN-recognised operators or foreign bank accounts into naira or domiciliary accounts; the currency of the account you give decides whether the money arrives as foreign currency or is converted.
Many Nigerian households receive money from relatives abroad, and much of it lands in bank accounts. If a relative, employer or client abroad is paying you, the route they choose decides how fast the money arrives, how much is deducted and which currency you end up holding. This guide covers both main routes into FirstBank, what you need to give the sender, and what to check when money is late.
Route 1: SWIFT bank transfer
The sender's bank sends the money across the international SWIFT network to FirstBank. You give the sender:
- Your account name exactly as on the account.
- Your FirstBank account number.
- Bank: First Bank of Nigeria Ltd, 35 Marina, Samuel Asabia House, Lagos.
- SWIFT/BIC: FBNINGLA (11-character form FBNINGLAXXX), per the Xe directory.
SWIFT suits larger and business payments. It can take a few working days and charges may be taken along the way, depending on whether the sender chose to pay all fees. Full detail in First Bank SWIFT code and sort code.
Route 2: a money transfer operator
International money transfer operators (IMTOs) take money abroad and pay it out in Nigeria, into a bank account or for cash collection. FirstBank's FAQ says diaspora accounts can be funded from CBN-recognised money transfer operators. The sender uses the operator's app or agent and enters your bank and account details or your name for cash pickup. You may need valid ID and the transfer reference to collect cash at a branch.
Before choosing an operator, check that it is recognised by the CBN, and compare the exchange rate it offers, not only its fee. The CBN's rules on how remittances are paid out in Nigeria are set out in our explainer on CBN remittance rules.
Naira or domiciliary: which account to give
| You give | What usually happens | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| Domiciliary account (USD, GBP or EUR) | Money arrives in the same foreign currency | Saving in foreign currency, paying foreign bills |
| Naira account | Foreign currency is converted to naira at the rate applied by the bank or operator | Spending in Nigeria now |
Ask the operator or FirstBank which rate applies before the money is sent. FirstBank's FAQ says there is no limit on the amount that can be transferred from abroad into a FirstDiaspora account, and that domiciliary account holders with $30,000 or more pay transfer charges of at most 0.25%. If you do not have a domiciliary account, see opening a First Bank domiciliary account.
Worked example: comparing what arrives
Example only, with invented fees and a rate gap rather than a real rate. Your sister sends $500. Operator A charges a $5 fee and converts the remaining $495 at its rate. Operator B charges no fee but its rate is 2% worse than A's. With A you receive the naira value of $495. With B you receive the naira value of 500 × 0.98 = $490 at A's rate. Operator A delivers the equivalent of $5 more, despite charging a fee. The lesson: compare the naira amount each provider says will arrive, which it shows before the sender confirms, rather than the fee alone.
For a regular monthly transfer, that gap compounds. Over 12 months of the same example, choosing A over B delivers the equivalent of 12 × $5 = $60 more. Check both providers on the day, since rates move.
When the money has not arrived
- Get the transfer reference from the sender: a SWIFT reference (often called an MT103 copy) or the operator's tracking number.
- Check the sender used your exact account name and number and the right currency.
- For an operator transfer, check its tracking page first; it will show whether the money has been paid out.
- Contact FirstContact (firstcontact@firstbanknigeria.com) or, for diaspora accounts, diasporabanking@firstbanknigeria.com, with the reference, amount, currency and date.
- If the credit is stuck because of a name mismatch, the bank may ask you to confirm your identity before it applies the money.
What to check first
- Your account is fully documented. An entry-level account may not accept large credits. See upgrading your First Bank account tier.
- Your BVN and NIN are linked, so the account is not restricted.
- The sender knows the payment purpose to declare; vague descriptions can trigger compliance checks.
- You never pay a 'release fee' to someone who says money is waiting for you. That is a common scam.
Where Pryme fits
A Pryme account holds NGN, USD, GBP and EUR with local account details for each, so senders in some countries can pay you by a local transfer. Money stays in the currency it arrived in; Swap converts only when you choose, with the rate shown first and the fee on its own line. Outside Nigeria, these activities are carried out through regulated partners. See multicurrency accounts and Swap.
Questions people ask
How can I receive money from abroad in my First Bank account?
Give the sender your account name and number with SWIFT code FBNINGLA for a bank transfer, or have them use a CBN-recognised money transfer operator that pays into First Bank.
Can I receive dollars in my First Bank naira account?
The money would be converted to naira at the rate applied by the bank or operator. To keep dollars, give a First Bank domiciliary account.
Is there a limit to money received from abroad into First Bank?
FirstBank's FAQ says there is no limit on transfers from abroad into a FirstDiaspora account. Entry-level naira accounts have lower caps on credits.
How long does money from abroad take to enter First Bank?
Operator transfers into accounts are often quicker than SWIFT, which can take a few working days. Track with the sender's reference.
Sources
- FirstBank: Frequently asked questions · accessed Oct 2026
- Xe: SWIFT code FBNINGLAXXX, First Bank of Nigeria Ltd · 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.