Nigerians Abroad Can Use Mobile USSD to Stay Connected With Their BVN Process

 Nigerians Abroad Can Use Mobile USSD to Stay Connected With Their BVN Process. Everything is possible for Nigerians abroad with NRBVN.

Using USSD from Outside Nigeria: Is It Possible? One of the most common questions from non-resident Nigerians is:

“Can I use USSD codes while abroad?”

The answer is yes, but with conditions.

Key Requirements:

You need a Nigerian SIM card — USSD codes are tied to mobile banking through your Nigerian phone number.

Your SIM must be roaming-enabled — It should work in the foreign country you're located.

You must have already activated USSD banking with your Nigerian bank — Initial activation often requires being physically present in Nigeria.

Your phone must support GSM/USSD dialing internationally — Most phones do, but regional restrictions may apply.

How to Enable USSD Banking from Abroad

If you are preparing to use USSD for NRBVN-related transactions while overseas, follow these steps:

Visit your bank before traveling — Activate mobile and USSD banking linked to your number.

Contact your mobile provider (MTN, Glo, Airtel, 9mobile) — Enable international roaming for voice, SMS, and USSD.

Test the USSD codes locally — Make sure they work before departure.

Fund your account in Nigeria — Ensure your Nigerian account has funds to cover NRBVN fees and other transactions.

NRBVN Payment via USSD: Step-by-Step

Though the actual registration of your NRBVN must be done online through official portals like nrbvn.ng, payment can often be made using USSD.

Here’s a generic example using GTBank:

Dial *737*2*Amount*NRBVNBankAcct#

Enter your PIN

Confirm the transaction

Other banks follow similar formats. Once the payment is complete, your NRBVN application status will update on the portal.

Pro Tip: Always take a screenshot or note the payment reference for your records.

Workaround Methods if You Can’t Use USSD Abroad

1. Use a Proxy (Family/Friend in Nigeria)

You can authorize a trusted person to:

Use their phone to make a USSD payment

Transfer from your Nigerian account to the NRBVN payment account

Confirm transactions for you

Make sure to share limited access — avoid giving full banking details.

2. Use Internet Banking Instead

If USSD is unavailable due to SIM issues, try:

GTWorld (GTBank app)

FirstMobile (First Bank)

AccessMore (Access Bank)

Zenith eToken

UBA’s Internet Banking portal

These services allow payments and BVN verification without USSD.

3. Use a Nigerian Virtual Number Service

Some tech startups offer virtual SIM services that keep your Nigerian line active remotely. These may incur small monthly fees but allow USSD and SMS usage from any location.

Security and Privacy Tips When Using USSD

Even though USSD banking is convenient, it comes with risks. Here’s how to keep your details safe:

Always lock your phone

Avoid sharing your USSD PIN

Log out after each session (for apps or virtual lines)

Do not use public Wi-Fi for banking

Report SIM loss immediately to your bank and provider

For added protection, enable transaction alerts by SMS and email.

Real-Life Use Case: Mary in London

Mary, a Nigerian nurse based in London, needed to pay for her NRBVN. She had a GTBank account and a registered Nigerian MTN SIM with roaming enabled.

Here’s how she did it:

Inserted her MTN SIM into a spare phone

Ensured roaming was working

Dialed *737*2*5000*NRBVNAcct# to pay

Got confirmation instantly

Uploaded her payment reference on the NRBVN site

Result: NRBVN approved in 48 hours.

Bank-by-bank list of known USSD functions that support BVN

Sample USSD menus

Troubleshooting failed codes

Alternative ways to retrieve your BVN

Updating BVN details remotely