The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has instructed financial institutions to obtain customer social media handles for identification purposes.
Additionally, it required customers' e-mail addresses, phone numbers, and residential addresses from financial institutions.
The "Central Bank of Nigeria (Customer Due Diligence) Regulations, 2023" document was posted on the apex bank's website on Friday.
The new regulation, according to the CBN, was created to provide financial institutions under its regulatory jurisdiction with additional customer due diligence measures.
In its customer identification column, the Apex Bank stated that financial institutions must identify their customers (permanent or occasional, natural or legal entities or legal arrangements) and obtain the following information:
“For Individuals: legal name and any other names used (like maiden name), permanent address (full physical address), residential address (where customer can be found), telephone number, e-mail address, and social media handle; date of birth, location, and Bank Verification Number; Identification number for taxes; nationality; occupation; held a public position; and the employer's name."
Additionally, it stated that an individual must possess "an official personal identification number or other unique identifier contained in an unexpired document issued by a government agency that bears the customer's name, photograph, and signature, such as a passport, national identification card, residence permit, social security records, or drivers' license."
“Type of account and nature of the banking relationship, signature, and politically exposed person status” are among the requirements.
Additionally, the regulator stated that fictitious names, numbered accounts, and anonymous accounts must not be established or maintained by financial institutions.
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