The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has issued a directive overhauling the Bank Verification Number (BVN) framework with changes to how customers access mobile banking, manage BVN linked phone numbers and interact with fraud detection systems. The new rules takes effect from 1st May 2026 and applies to all customers across CBN licensed financial institutions, including Union Bank.
The most consequential change is a lifetime restriction on BVN linked phone number updates. Each BVN holder is now limited to one phone number change for the duration of their banking life in Nigeria. The phone number tied to a BVN functions as the primary channel for transaction alerts, OTP delivery and account recovery, making it one of the most targeted entry points for fraud. SIM swap attacks where scammers take over a victim’s number to intercept authentication codes have been a persistent and growing threat across Nigeria’s financial system. The new restriction directly limits the conditions under which such attacks can succeed.
Customers who cannot currently access the number linked to their BVN are required to visit any Union Bank branch with valid identification to confirm and correct and update their phone numbers.
The directive also introduces device level controls for mobile banking. Going forward, your UnionMobile app can only be active on one registered device at any given time with new device activation requiring identity re-verification. Transactions initiated from a freshly activated device are further capped at ₦20,000 for the first 24 hours, a buffer that limits financial exposure during the period most vulnerable to exploitation.
On fraud detection, the CBN has formalised a real-time BVN watchlist mechanism. Financial institutions are now empowered to flag and temporarily suspend activity on BVNs connected to suspicious transactions, with a maximum hold period of 24 hours. The intent is to intercept potentially fraudulent transfers before they are completed rather than managing the situation after
BVN enrolment remains restricted to individuals aged 18 and above. Minors must operate accounts under adult supervision and BVN data access is confined to CBN licensed institutions.
For questions about how these changes affect your account, please call us on 07007007000 or email us at customerservice@unionbanknng.com




























