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The short answer
If no local app serves Nigeria from where you live, the main options are a SWIFT wire from your own bank, a global provider that is authorised in your country, or holding money in a major currency you can send from. Before you choose, check the provider is authorised where you live, how the naira is paid out in Nigeria, every fee including intermediary banks, and that you can trace the payment.
Why some countries have few options
Remittance apps need a licence or a regulated partner in each sending country, and a payout partner in Nigeria. Where the Nigerian community is small, few firms build that link. Taptap Send's Nigeria page, for example, lists sending limits for the UK, US, Canada, the eurozone, the UAE, Australia and New Zealand, which also shows the countries it does serve for this route. If you live somewhere outside the main corridors, you may need a different approach.
Option 1: a SWIFT wire from your own bank
Almost any bank can send an international wire. Citi's guide (29 January 2026) is typical of what banks ask for: the recipient's full name and account number, the receiving bank's name, address and SWIFT/BIC code, and a purpose. It says such wires "may take 2 to 5 business days", that weekends and holidays can lengthen this, and that once sent they usually cannot be cancelled.
- Currency. You can usually send in dollars, pounds or euros, or in your local currency for the bank to convert. Sending in a major currency to a domiciliary account in Nigeria avoids a double conversion through a third currency.
- Charges. Expect a sending fee, possible intermediary bank deductions and sometimes a receiving fee. See intermediary bank fees and SHA, BEN and OUR.
- Tracking. Every Swift payment carries a UETR that any bank in the chain can use to locate it. Ask your bank for it.
Option 2: a global provider authorised in your country
Some large transfer firms operate in many more countries than the specialist Africa-focused apps. Check the firm's site for your country, then check the regulator. A firm that lets you sign up with an address in your country should be authorised there or work through a regulated partner; if you cannot find either, do not use it.
Option 3: move money via a currency you can send from
Some people hold an account in a major currency, such as euros or dollars, and send to Nigeria from that. It can work, but each conversion costs a margin, and some providers require the payment method and the sender's address to be in the same country. Read the terms first, and keep records of each step.
Example: the cost of converting twice
This is an illustration with assumed margins, not any provider's prices. Say your local bank converts your money into dollars with a 1% margin, and a second provider then converts the dollars into naira with a 1.5% margin. You keep 0.99 × 0.985 = 0.97515 of the value, so about 2.49% has gone in margins before any flat fees. One conversion straight into naira at a 2% margin would have cost less. Always compare the final naira amount against a single mid-market conversion.
How the naira is paid out in Nigeria
Nigeria's rules shape what your recipient gets. According to TheCable's report (3 June 2026) on the CBN's 2026 FX Manual, inbound transfers through international money transfer operators are paid in naira, and cash paid over the counter is capped at the naira equivalent of $200, with anything above credited to a bank account. Pavestones Legal's summary on Mondaq (24 June 2026) says inbound foreign currency transfers are paid in naira or a currency the CBN determines. A wire into a domiciliary account is a separate channel, so confirm with the receiving bank how it will be credited. For the wider rules, see CBN rules on remittances.
Checks before you send
- Is the provider authorised in your country? Look it up on the regulator's register, not just its website.
- What is the total cost: fee, exchange margin against the mid-market rate, and any intermediary or receiving charge?
- How is the money paid out: naira into a bank account, into a domiciliary account, or cash?
- Can you trace it: a reference number from an app or a UETR from a bank?
- Have you checked the recipient's account number and name with them directly, not from a message that could have been altered?
Where Pryme fits
A Pryme account can be opened from any country and holds naira, dollars, pounds and euros with local account details for each, so if you can send one of those currencies from your bank, you can receive it into your own multicurrency account and convert with Swap when you choose. Outside Nigeria, Pryme's activities are carried out through regulated partners. See how it works.
Questions people ask
How can I send money to Nigeria if no app works in my country?
Use a SWIFT wire from your bank, a global provider authorised in your country, or hold a major currency you can send from. Check licensing, fees and tracking first.
How long does a SWIFT transfer to Nigeria take?
Citi's guide says international wires may take 2 to 5 business days, longer around weekends and holidays.
Will my family receive dollars or naira?
Through money transfer operators, inbound transfers are paid in naira under the CBN's 2026 FX Manual, as reported. A wire into a domiciliary account is a different channel; ask the receiving bank.
Is it safe to use an informal money changer abroad?
It carries risk of loss and fraud, may breach local law, and leaves no proper record. Use an authorised channel.
Sources
- Citi: How to wire money (29 Jan 2026) · accessed Oct 2026
- Swift: What is a UETR? · accessed Oct 2026
- TheCable: CBN FX Manual 2026 report (3 Jun 2026) · accessed Oct 2026
- Mondaq (Pavestones Legal): The CBN Foreign Exchange Manual 2026 (24 Jun 2026) · accessed Oct 2026
- Taptap Send: Send money to Nigeria (Oct 2026) · 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.