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The short answer
Nigerian bank accounts move through stages when unused: GTBank, for example, treats an account as inactive after six months without a customer transaction and dormant after one year, and accounts dormant for 10 years or more are transferred to the CBN as unclaimed balances. Reactivation normally needs a request, valid ID and recent proof of address. The CBN Guide to Charges lists dormant account reactivation as free. From abroad, use the bank's diaspora or email channel, or a branch visit by someone you authorise, if the bank accepts that.
The stages: inactive, dormant, unclaimed
Banks set their own inactivity periods within CBN rules, and current and savings accounts can differ. What the banks' own pages say:
| Bank | Inactive | Dormant | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| GTBank | 6 months with no customer-initiated transaction | 1 year | GTBank account reactivation page |
| Zenith Bank | — | Current accounts after 6 months; savings accounts do not go dormant | Zenith FAQs |
| FirstBank | — | Accounts inactive 10 years or more transferred to CBN | FirstBank dormant account page |
After 10 years, the money is not lost. FirstBank's page explains that eligible dormant balances go to the CBN, and owners reclaim them through the bank with evidence of ownership, valid ID, proof of current residence and an affidavit, using an Asset Reclaim Form; the bank verifies and sends the claim to the CBN within 10 working days, and the CBN refunds through the bank within 10 working days. Access Bank publishes lists of dormant accounts and remittances to the CBN on its dormant accounts page.
What reactivation needs
GTBank's page sets out a typical list for a dormant individual account:
- A reactivation form.
- A utility bill no older than three months.
- Valid ID: international passport, driver's licence, permanent voter's card or national ID.
An inactive (not yet dormant) GTBank account is reactivated simply by a customer transaction such as a transfer, deposit or withdrawal. Other banks set their own lists, so ask for the exact form and document list before you start, and check whether the bank wants a fresh BVN or NIN confirmation as part of the process.
Is there a fee?
The CBN Guide to Charges (effective 1 January 2020) lists dormant account reactivation as waived. If a bank asks for a fee for reactivation itself, ask which item of the Guide it relies on.
Doing it from abroad
- Email first from the address the bank has on file, to its diaspora desk or contact centre, asking for its reactivation process for customers abroad.
- Prepare documents: a passport data page, a recent foreign utility bill or bank statement, and a signed reactivation request. Many banks ask for documents certified by a notary, the Nigerian embassy or another approved person; Fidelity's diaspora page lists a notary, court, lawyer, the Nigerian embassy, a foreign banker or a commissioner for oaths.
- Check your BVN link. If the account predates your BVN or the details differ, the bank may ask you to update them first. See NRBVN for Nigerians abroad.
- Send originals if asked by tracked courier, and keep copies.
- Make a transaction once the bank confirms reactivation, so the account does not lapse again.
Using someone in Nigeria
Some banks will deal with a relative carrying your signed letter and ID; others insist on the account holder. A specific power of attorney can help where the bank accepts it. Ask before you send anyone.
Worked example
Example only. Chidi left Nigeria in 2021 with ₦640,000 in a GTBank savings account and has not used it since. By 2026 it has been dormant for several years but not 10, so the money is still with the bank. He emails the bank, sends a notarised copy of his passport, a council tax bill from the past three months and the signed form, and the bank reactivates the account. He then sends ₦5,000 into it to show activity.
Common problems
- Old signature: your signature may have changed since you opened the account. Banks may ask for a signature update form alongside reactivation.
- Old phone number: if the bank still holds a Nigerian number you no longer use, alerts and OTPs will fail. Update it as part of the same request. See OTP fixes for diaspora customers.
- Name differences: a married name or a changed spelling between the account and your passport needs supporting documents, such as a marriage certificate.
- Post-no-debit restrictions: an account with missing KYC may be restricted even after reactivation until the details are complete.
Reactivation is also the moment to tidy up the account: update your email and phone number, check that alerts reach you abroad, and ask whether you can use internet banking or a token app instead of a Nigerian SIM for codes.
Keeping it from going dormant again
- Set a standing order of a small amount each quarter.
- Use the app at least once every few months for a real transaction.
- Keep your phone number, email and address current with the bank.
If you no longer need the account, closing it may be cleaner; our guide to moving abroad and your Nigerian accounts covers both choices.
Where Pryme fits
A Pryme Personal Account can be opened from any country, holds naira beside USD, GBP and EUR, and you can move your reclaimed balance into it with a transfer once your old account is active.
Questions people ask
How long before a Nigerian bank account becomes dormant?
It depends on the bank. GTBank treats accounts as dormant after one year without a customer transaction; Zenith says current accounts go dormant after six months and savings accounts do not.
Can I reactivate my dormant account from abroad?
Often yes, by email to the bank's diaspora or contact centre with certified ID, recent proof of address and a signed request. Some banks require a branch visit.
Do banks charge to reactivate a dormant account?
The CBN Guide to Charges lists dormant account reactivation as waived.
What happens to money in a dormant account after 10 years?
It is transferred to the CBN as an unclaimed balance and can be reclaimed through the bank with ID, proof of address and an affidavit.
Sources
- GTBank: Account reactivation · accessed Oct 2026
- Zenith Bank: Customer service FAQs · accessed Oct 2026
- FirstBank: Dormant account · accessed Oct 2026
- CBN: Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions (effective 1 Jan 2020) · accessed Oct 2026
- Access Bank: Dormant accounts · accessed Oct 2026
- Fidelity Bank: Diaspora Banking · 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.