FirstBank has become one of the first Nigerian banks to comply with the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) directive requiring lenders to configure their Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) to accept international cards.

In a Wednesday email to customers, FirstBank confirmed that its ATMs nationwide now accept foreign-issued cards, allowing users convenient access to funds.

The CBN, in a circular dated Thursday, 18 December 2025, instructed banks to enable the use of global cards on domestic ATMs. The directive, signed by Dr. Rita Sike, Director of the Financial Policy & Regulation Department, aims to improve convenience, security, and overall user experience for diasporans and tourists in Nigeria.

FirstBank’s customer email stated, “We are pleased to inform you that FirstBank ATMs across Nigeria now accept international and globally issued ATM cards. You can conveniently withdraw cash at any FirstBank ATM using your foreign-issued or internationally accepted bank cards. Enjoy secure, reliable, and seamless access to your funds anywhere in Nigeria, anytime.”

Ahead of the festive season, the bank also activated a team at the Arrival Terminal of Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, to assist overseas visitors with banking services such as opening Diaspora Accounts, Bank Verification Number registration, and National Identification Number enrolment.

The CBN circular requires banks to ensure that all ATMs, point-of-sale (PoS) terminals, and web-based platforms are configured to accept international cards associated with Nigerian acquirers. Banks must comply with card association standards, maintain appropriate certifications, and guarantee seamless transaction processing.

Additionally, banks are expected to maintain system availability, implement multi-factor authentication for transactions exceeding $200 per day, $500 per week, and $1,000 per month, and enforce ATM cash withdrawal limits. Users must be clearly informed of market-driven exchange rates and any associated charges, with transactions completed only after acceptance of the terms.