—–ECOBANK DIASPORA ACCOUNT IN FOCUS
Ecobank Nigeria has swiftly responded to the recent announcement by the Central Bank Nigeria (CBN) that beneficiaries of remittances can now receive their transfers in Dollars, by assuring its customers that it will put the necessary processes in place to make this happen seamlessly.
Customers can also opt to have such funds paid directly into their domiciliary accounts under the new CBD rule.
Mr. Patrick Akinwuntan, Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, said in Lagos that the bank is taking steps to see the immediate implementation of this policy, and encouraged Nigerians in the diaspora and their loved ones here in Nigeria to take advantage of the policy by opening the Ecobank domiciliary account or reactivating their inactive domiciliary accounts with the bank.
“We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure that our customers instantly receive their transfers as cash (US Dollars) or transfers into their domiciliary accounts. Our customers have the flexibility to choose the mode of receipt that suits them. It is strictly on their terms.” he said.
He further explained that Ecobank’s proprietary money transfer platform, Rapidtransfer, which is available on the App Store and Play Store, makes it possible for Nigerians abroad to remit home instantly at very affordable charges. The bank has also just launched a new version, Rapidtransfer International, specifically for Nigerians living in Europe. “The functionality of both apps is being enhanced to meet this new requirement”, Akinwuntan said.
In addition, Ecobank is collaborating with other remittance partners like Western Union, MoneyGram, Ria, and Small World on this new development in a bid to deliver maximum value to its customers.
Giving more details on the bank’s remittance products, Olukorede Demola-Adeniyi, Head, Consumer Banking, Ecobank Nigeria, said the Nigerian diaspora community makes significant contribution to the economy and Ecobank is committed to supporting them by providing advisory services, remittance solutions, investment options and financial planning.
To lend credence to this, Ecobank recently held a Diaspora Summit with major stakeholders in commemoration of Nigeria’s 60th Independence Anniversary. The summit focused on the benefits of the Ecobank Diaspora account and how it has impacted on the lives on many Nigerians in the diaspora and their relatives back home.
Like the name says, Ecobank Diaspora Banking is a banking solution designed for individuals who reside and/or work outside their home countries with specialized products and services tailored to cater for their unique financial needs and also provide them with an opportunity to conveniently manage their finances and transact seamlessly from abroad.
It provides customized Ecobank bank accounts in Naira, US Dollar, GB Pounds or Euro, with provisions for online account opening, dedicated diaspora relationship managers, 24/7 Contact Centre and free access to e-banking services (Mobile and Internet banking). The Diaspora Account also provides access to Naira and foreign currency debit cards, Internet Banking, Mobile App, Transfer of funds within Ecobank and other banks in and outside Nigeria.
The Diaspora account also has functionality for instant bills payment, access to Virtual card, online banking token delivery and activation worldwide for higher transfer limit; there are also card solutions (MasterCard and Visa) – Debit Card, Credit Card, Advantage and Platinum Card with complimentary Priority Pass to Lounges, ATM, POS, and web services.
The bank has put special promotions in place to welcome new Diaspora Account customers this yuletide for Nigerians to obtain several benefits as they either travel or transfer money home to their relatives this season.
