Review your decision on BVN-linked phone number changes, CSOs urge CBN

Civil society organisations and digital rights advocates have urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to reconsider its restrictions on changing phone numbers linked to Bank Verification Numbers (BVN). They warn that this policy could hinder financial inclusion and violate data protection rights.

During a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Mojirayo Ogunlana, the Executive Director of the Digicivic Initiative, expressed concerns that limiting BVN-linked phone number changes to just one instance infringes on the rights of Nigerians under the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA). This restriction particularly affects the right to correct inaccurate or outdated personal data.

Speaking on behalf of several civil society organisations and digital rights groups, Ogunlana urged the CBN to adopt a more balanced, risk-based approach that would allow multiple phone number updates while still maintaining strong safeguards against fraud. Other supporting organisations include TAP Initiative, Avocats Sans Frontières France – Nigeria, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), Accountability Lab, TechHerNG, the Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development (IRIAD), and Gatefield.

Ogunlana recognised the CBN’s efforts to strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system and to combat fraud, identity theft, and other financial crimes in the growing digital economy. However, she emphasised, “The ability to update personal information is a continuing right and an essential component of data accuracy, security, and access to services.”

The groups highlighted that Nigerians may need to change their phone numbers for legitimate reasons, such as the loss or theft of SIM cards, security breaches, moving to a different location, changing telecommunications providers, or evolving personal and professional needs.

Ogunlana warned that the current restrictions could lead to long-term inaccuracies in the BVN system and may prevent citizens from securely accessing banking and digital financial services. The organisations argued that this policy could disproportionately affect vulnerable and mobile populations, create barriers to financial inclusion, and weaken public confidence in Nigeria’s digital identity and financial systems.

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The Executive Director stressed that a people-centred financial ecosystem should allow individuals to maintain reasonable control over their identity-related data used for authentication and access to digital services.

Among the proposed measures were enhanced identity verification procedures, risk-based monitoring mechanisms for frequent changes, stronger audit trails, and improved fraud detection systems.

The groups also called for stronger collaboration between the CBN and the Nigeria Data Protection Commission to ensure that financial regulations align with national data protection obligations and international best practices.

They demanded transparent and accessible remediation pathways for customers facing difficulties in updating or recovering BVN-linked credentials. This includes appeals processes and human review mechanisms when necessary.

“As Nigeria’s financial and public service infrastructure becomes increasingly digitised, BVN-linked authentication systems now serve as critical gateways to economic participation,” Ogunlana stated.

The organisations cautioned that rigid restrictions could prevent citizens from accessing banking, payment, savings, credit, and other essential financial services—particularly vulnerable individuals facing insecurity, displacement, device loss, or unstable telecommunications access.

They also urged the CBN to publish the evidence base, stakeholder consultations, and risk assessments that informed the current restrictions. They insisted that policies affecting access to financial systems should be transparent, evidence-based, and proportionate.