Nigerian banks' sort codes: Full list of sort and swift codes in Nigeria

A bank sort code identifies a bank and the specific branch where an account is held. However, the number of digits in a sort code varies by country. Nigerian banks' sort codes are nine-digit numbers, while countries such as the UK, Ghana, Tanzania and Uganda use six-digit sort codes. Because Nigerian banks operate multiple branches, each branch can have its own sort code.

Key takeaways

• Nigerian bank sort codes are unique 9-digit numbers used to identify specific bank branches for local transfers and payment processing.
• SWIFT codes are different from sort codes and are required for international money transfers, as they identify banks globally.
• Every bank branch has its own sort code, while a bank may have one or more SWIFT codes depending on its branches or services.
• Knowing the correct sort code or SWIFT code helps ensure faster, accurate, and secure domestic and international transactions.

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Nigerian banks sort codes

A sort code is used to identify the bank and branch to which a payment should be routed. In Nigeria, the sort code has nine digits. The first three digits identify the bank, while the remaining digits identify the location and branch.

It is important to note that a bank does not have just one sort code. Large banks with branches across Nigeria have numerous sort codes, and the appropriate code depends on the branch where the account is domiciled.

The table below provides the main or head office branch sort codes for selected active Nigerian banks.

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SWIFT codes for banks in Nigeria

A SWIFT code, also known as a Bank Identifier Code (BIC), identifies a financial institution when sending or receiving international payments. Unlike a Nigerian sort code, which is primarily used for domestic banking and branch identification, a SWIFT/BIC is used in cross-border payment instructions.

A SWIFT code generally contains eight characters, although an additional three-character branch identifier can be added to identify a specific branch or department. Below are some commonly used SWIFT/BIC codes for Nigerian banks and financial institutions.

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What are sort codes?

A sort code is an identifying number used to route payments to a particular bank and branch. In Nigeria, the standard sort code has nine digits. The format and number of digits are not universal because different countries use different systems.

For example, Nigerian sort codes use nine digits, while the UK and some other countries use six-digit sort codes. The important function remains the same: the code helps identify the financial institution and, where applicable, the particular branch involved in processing the payment.

What information does a bank sort code display?

A Nigerian sort code identifies the bank and branch associated with the account. Its digits contain information used to identify the banking institution, location and branch.

The exact format of sort codes varies between countries, so a nine-digit Nigerian sort code should not be confused with the six-digit sort codes used in countries such as the UK.

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Do Nigerian banks have sort codes?

Yes. Nigerian banks have nine-digit sort codes, and individual branches can have different codes. Consequently, there is no single sort code that can be used for every branch of a particular bank. The correct code depends on the branch and account involved in the transaction.

How do you find a bank's sort code?

The sort code may appear on banking documents, such as cheques, depending on the bank and the document format. Customers can also obtain the correct code from their bank, branch or official banking channels.

Is the SWIFT code the same as the sort code in Nigeria?

No. A SWIFT/BIC and a Nigerian sort code serve different purposes. A sort code is primarily associated with domestic banking and identifies a bank and branch within Nigeria. A SWIFT/BIC identifies a financial institution for international payments and is commonly required when sending or receiving money across borders.

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Nigerian banks' sort codes identify banks and their branches and are important for routing domestic payments correctly. However, because banks operate multiple branches, each institution can have several sort codes. The codes in this guide are therefore presented as main or head-office branch references, not as the only sort codes for each bank.

Legit.ng published an article about the Fidelity Bank transfer code. Fidelity Bank is one of the top-ranked financial institutions in Nigeria. The financial institution has adopted USSD codes, making banking effortless and accessible. As a member, you must familiarise yourself with the Fidelity Bank transfer code.

The banking sector has adopted the latest technology to provide financial services efficiently. One of the technologies is USSD codes. The codes enable transactions to be done remotely without needing the Internet. Discover more about the Fidelity Bank transfer code and how it works.

Source: Legit.ng