CSOs urge CBN to review BVN phone number change restriction

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) and digital rights advocates has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria to review restrictions limiting changes to phone numbers linked to Bank Verification Numbers (BVN), warning that the policy could negatively affect financial inclusion and consumer rights. The groups made the call during a press conference in Abuja, where they urged the apex bank to adopt a more flexible and risk-based approach that would allow Nigerians to update their BVN-linked phone numbers multiple times, subject to proper verification procedures. Members of the coalition incude Digicivic Initiative, TAP Initiative Avocats Sans Frontières France – Nigeria, Centre for Information Technology and Development, Accountability Lab, and HerNG Initiative for Research, Innovation and Advocacy in Development. Under the new CBN policy which took effect from May 1, 2026, the phone number linked to a BVN can only be updated once in a lifetime Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Executive Director of Digicivic Initiative, Mojirayo Ogunlana, acknowledged the CBN’s efforts to combat fraud and strengthen the country’s digital financial system, but expressed concern that the restriction could create difficulties for legitimate users According to the coalition, limiting BVN-linked phone number changes to a single instance undermines provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA), particularly the right of individuals to correct inaccurate or outdated personal data. Ogunlana noted that many Nigerians may need to change their phone numbers several times due to loss or theft of SIM cards, security concerns, relocation, change of telecommunications providers, or other legitimate personal and professional reasons. They argued that the restriction could create persistent inaccuracies in the BVN database and make it difficult for affected individuals to securely access banking and other digital financial services. She said: “The ability to update personal information is a continuing right and an essential component of data accuracy, security and access to services. In practice, individuals may need to change their phone numbers multiple times due to a range of legitimate circumstances. “Restricting phone number changes to a one-time opportunity will therefore create persistent inaccuracies within the BVN system and hinder individuals’ secure access to banking and digital financial services. “A people-centred and rights-respecting financial ecosystem should ensure that individuals maintain reasonable control over identity-related data that is central to authentication, access and participation in the digital economy”. The coalition called on the CBN to consider alternative safeguards, including permitting multiple phone number updates with enhanced identity verification procedures, introducing monitoring mechanisms for frequent changes, and strengthening audit trails and fraud detection systems. Ogunlana urged the apex bank to ensure compliance with the Nigeria Data Protection Act, strengthen customer protection measures, and engage civil society organisations and other stakeholders in developing inclusive digital financial policies. The organisations called on the CBN to publish the evidence and risk assessment that informed the current restriction, stressing that policies affecting access to financial services should be transparent, evidence-based and proportionate. They also advocated the establishment of accessible and time-bound remediation processes for customers experiencing difficulties in updating or recovering BVN-linked credentials, including transparent appeals procedures and dispute resolution mechanisms.