Nigeria’s BVN Enrolment Nears 70 Million as CBN Introduces New Phone Number Rules

Nigeria’s Bank Verification Number (BVN) database has continued to grow, reaching 69,972,475 enrolments as of August 23, 2026, according to the latest data.

The figure represents an increase of more than 183,000 enrolments in less than three weeks, bringing the total number of BVNs issued in Nigeria closer to the 70 million milestone.

The growth comes as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) introduces new guidelines concerning phone numbers linked to BVNs.

The new rules have, however, raised concerns among rights advocates, who fear that some Nigerians could face difficulties accessing their bank accounts if they are unable to comply with the requirements.

The Digicivic Initiative, a rights advocacy organisation, criticised the new policy, warning that it could potentially lock some customers out of their own bank accounts.

The group urged authorities to consider the impact of the new requirements on Nigerians who may have difficulty updating or maintaining phone numbers linked to their BVNs.

The BVN system remains a key part of Nigeria’s banking and financial identity framework, helping financial institutions verify customers and strengthen efforts against fraud and other financial crimes.

With enrolments now standing at nearly 70 million, attention is expected to remain focused on how the CBN’s new phone-number rules will affect bank customers across the country.