Is this something new in Lagos?

[PurpleSky 19]

FH has made the looooooongggg trip to Lagos from The Gambia by land. So happy he arrived safely despite the bumps he encountered along the way. I tell you it was quite the adventure. Anyway when he arrived to Lagos he needed money Western Unioned to him to continue his trip to his hometown. Well when he went to pick up the money his brother sent to him, he was told that since he doesn't have a bank account he can't get the money. I have never heard of that. Is that something new being done? Thank God he has a brother who lives in Lagos (who he was staying with) and his other brother was able to send another transfer to that brother. I couldn't believe it!

[LADYDARE 28]

You don't need a bank account to receive money sent via western union..all you need is just your passport to prove your identity.

[cinnamon3822 0]

Yes, you now need to have a bank account to receive western union in Lagos. We sent my husband family money and they could not pick it up, my husband called his friend at the bank, he stated this is new in Lagos, the person MUST have a bank account to receive the money.

[PurpleSky 19]

Ladydare I said the same thing! I was livid!

Cinnamon, I'm wondering if that is a way they are trying to reduce the number of scams. But I also wonder if that is in violation of the Western Union terms. What would happen if someone is merely visiting and needs money wired? Or is that something only for Nigerians? That can't be right to do.

[patient2010 93]

which bank was this purplesky? I believe it depends on the bank chain....I think. also glad he was able to get around the road block and get the money...Poor thing Lagos eh..... nothing is easy there.

[DebbyNSeyi 15]

Yes, this is a new regulation set by the government banking authorities to combat the widespread scams.

It's been in effect for the last 2 months at least. I used to wire money to my husband using Moneygram (fees were less), but then I couldn't because his bank only services wires through Western Union.

It's an inconvenience for sure.

Yes, you now need to have a bank account to receive western union in Lagos. We sent my husband family money and they could not pick it up, my husband called his friend at the bank, he stated this is new in Lagos, the person MUST have a bank account to receive the money.

Correct

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

Nigeria is trying to improve it's image by getting internet cafes registered with the EFCC and making it a requirement that WU be picked up by documented people only. The easiest solution for banks was to require the person to have a bank account.

[PurpleSky 19]

Definitely an inconvenience!! I figured it had something to do with the scams. UGGH but what happens when it's someone visiting there? Oh and the bank was CBN (Central Bank of Nigeria). I called Western Union and requested that a full refund (including the processing charge) be sent to my future brother in law of the original money he sent to FH because no where on their site does it state this. I can't imagine what would have happened if the other brother wasn't there . But at least we are aware of this now.