Sending money to Nigeria from the UK? You can send it straight to a bank account or to a Smartcash wallet. Your family in Lagos, Abuja or Port Harcourt often gets naira within minutes.
Many families in Nigeria count on money from relatives in the UK. Here is how to send yours the right way.
How sending money to Nigeria from the UK works
You add money to your account, choose how your recipient gets paid, and send. The money lands in naira. There are two ways to send.
Bank account. Providers pay out to major Nigerian banks, including GTBank, Access Bank, Zenith Bank and First Bank of Nigeria. Check your provider’s list of supported banks before you send, so you know your recipient’s bank is covered. You can see Rocket Remit’s list on the Nigeria page.
Smartcash mobile wallet. Your recipient does not need a bank account. They just need an active Smartcash wallet linked to their mobile number.
Either way, there is no cash pickup and no trip to an agent.
The real cost of a money transfer to Nigeria from the UK
Here’s the catch. A low fee does not always mean more naira for your family.
The exchange rate does most of the work. Two providers can both promise low fees and still hand your recipient different amounts. The naira can also move from day to day, so check the rate at the moment you send.
Costs add up across the region too. Sending $200 to Sub Saharan Africa averaged 8.46% in the third quarter of 2025, against a global average of 6.36%, according to World Bank figures. So compare one number: how many naira land in the account.
Rocket Remit shows the exchange rate before you confirm. You see what your recipient gets before any money leaves your account.
How fast is a transfer to Nigeria?
Transfers to Nigerian bank accounts and Smartcash wallets often arrive within minutes. Speed can depend on the receiving bank or wallet.
Sometimes a transfer takes longer than expected. Most delays happen on the Nigerian side, at the receiving bank or wallet.
The bank or wallet may have a technical problem, or it may be running planned maintenance. Its network can also go down, or slow down when many people use it at once.
These delays are outside your provider’s control. A delay does not always mean something is wrong with your transfer.
- Check the recipient’s details match what you entered.
- Ask your recipient to check their account or wallet again.
- Contact your provider’s customer care team with your reference number.
Transfer money from the UK to Nigeria, step by step
Sound like a lot of steps? It isn’t. After your first transfer, it is mostly entering an amount and checking the rate.
One thing to know: providers set limits on each transfer. Check the maximum before you send.
A word on safety
Nigeria is a common target for money transfer scams. Stick to licensed providers you can verify.
Confirm the account details with your recipient by phone or voice note. If anyone pushes you to send money fast, or outside your usual app, stop. That pressure is the red flag.
Bottom line
Sending money to Nigeria from the UK comes down to three things you control: the right recipient details, the real naira amount, and a provider you trust. Get those right and your transfer has the best chance of arriving smoothly.
Choose a provider that sends to Nigerian bank accounts and Smartcash wallets, and shows the exchange rate before you confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions about sending money to Nigeria
How do I send money to Nigeria from the UK?
With Rocket Remit, you open an account, add funds, enter your recipient’s details and confirm. The money goes to their Nigerian bank account or Smartcash wallet.
What’s the cheapest way to send money to Nigeria from the UK?
There is no single cheapest option. It depends on the amount, fee and exchange rate. Rocket Remit shows the rate before you confirm, so you can compare the naira amount first.
Can I send money to a Nigerian bank account from the UK?
Yes. You need your recipient’s full name, bank and 10 digit account number.
Can I send money to a Smartcash wallet in Nigeria?
Yes. Rocket Remit supports Smartcash wallets. Your recipient needs an active wallet, and you need the mobile number linked to it.
How long does a transfer to Nigeria take?
Often within a few minutes. The receiving bank or wallet can affect timing.
Is it safe to send money to Nigeria online?
Yes, as long as you use a licensed provider that you can verify.
About Rocket Remit
Rocket Remit provides fast international money transfers from Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom to supported destinations. Transfer availability, delivery method and processing times vary by country and transaction.
Use the country selector to choose the country and check the rate.
Click here for more information on how to send money using Rocket Remit.
