After the ugly experience I had with getting referees for my current (domicilary) account in a Nigerian bank, I can imagine there are other Nigerians who will be having similar problems. As you may already know, among other requirements for opening a current bank account, you will need to provide two referees (two current account holders that would sign a reference form to recommend your suitability for maintaining a current account). It’s just about the same rule for every bank in Nigeria. You may be or have been lucky to easily get through this phase of getting your current account activate (without your reference cleared, you can pay in cash or check to the account but you can’t withdraw you money), But in some cases, getting the reference cleared can create a burden for the account holder, especially in a matter of urgency.
The Problem With Getting Referees
There are several problems you could encounter while trying to get a referee. Such problem could be:
1. Invalid Current Accounts:
May be this isn’t the right term, but what this means is that not all current account holders are qualified to reference another. Such current accounts includes;
* Salary Accounts
* The Bank’s Staff Accounts
* Accounts that are not up to 6 months old
* Dormant Accounts and
* Accounts that are not frequently maintained.
References from such accounts will be rejected by your banks. So You would want to verify these from your potential referee so that you wouldn’t waste your time and his as well.
2. Bankers Incompetence:
I’m sorry to say this but some of these bank staffs can be lousy sometimes. In my case, Before I finally got my reference cleared with Guarantee trust Bank, I had submitted like 5 different reference forms from different banks. At first I made myself believe that my first two refs. from Union Bank and Ecobank weren’t qualified for a reference, so I got two other close referees from UBA and Zenith Bank who assured me to have used the same account to recommend other current account holders. Three to four weeks later, and my reference was still outstanding. I had to convince My referee from Zenith Bank to visit his bank and verify if the reference form was ever sent to them. Only for him to find that it has been on their system for over three weeks. Someone simply chose to neglect the request. The reference was confirmed afterwards. I wish Nigerian bankers would be more cooperative and reasonable on issues like this.
3. Reference From Different Banks
This happens to be the most common problem, and it’s somehow related to problem 2. Some bank branches get reluctant on purpose when they recieve mails for reference from another bank on their customers behalf. I really don’t understand why it should be that way. As a result of this, most banks will recommend that you get referees from their customers. But considering the fact that there are 25 consolidated banks in Nigeria, chances that you know someone that has a current account with the same bank could be slim.
A Quicker Way to Get References from The Same Bank
At a point it was getting too burdensome on me; I’d paid in checks to my account but couldn’t withdraw my money, I’d waited for so long in hope for the banks to make things easier, but nothing seemed to be changing. So Here is how I finally solved the puzzle and you can do the same if you find yourself in such situation.
Walk to your bank, and talk to one customer at a time to help you sign your reference form. Ask someone to do you the favor. It’s not that hard. I had to talk to 8 different people at the banking hall before I finally got one that agreed to fill my form and we ended up exchanging phone numbers. I’ve called to thank him for his help. I Would have sent flowers if it was a lady.
If you have a problem with asking for help from people you don’t know, Here are some tips to help you on this one:
* Look for someone that is not in a hurry to leave the bank.
* Start with something as polite as, “Good Morning. Sorry to bother. Please I need your help..” with a genuine smile of course.
* Ask if s/he owns a current account.
* If s/he does, Ask and Explain to him/ her how difficult it has been for you to get a referee from the same bank. If you’ve had referees from other banks that have been delayed, tell him/her. Anyone who’ll be willing to help deserves some explanation.
* Don’t host him/her a pity-party. You are not hopeless. Ask modestly and if s/he declines, look for someone else.
* Some People will normally not agree to have a current account, even if they do. Hence, you’ll want to be a bit observant. The current account holder that finally signed mine had his GTB check book with him on the counter, when I approached him. At that point he couldn’t deny having a current account.
In any case, just ask and don’t feel discouraged if the first few people you meet don’t give you attention. Each time someone declines your request, ask one more person. Go on and have a banking experience of the day.
I hope this helps make things easier for you. I’d love to hear your advice on getting a referee to activate a current account in Nigerian banks today..
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Hi Ik!
Am a regular reader of your blog posts but am commenting here for the first time. And let me use this opportunity to thank you for the wonderful job you've been doing! I hope you could help proffer solutions to my problem.
I am a freelance SEO copywriter and also a blogger who blogs in the freelance niche. From your wealth of experience, can you kindly share some of your tips on driving traffic to my site? My site is http://freelancehaven.blogspot.com. I have tried article marketing, forum posting and a host of others. It isn't just getting me as much traffic as I expect to generate huge conversion.
Cheers,
Adeniyi
@Adeniyi Thank you for your comment and kind words.
The issue of getting traffic to a blog seems to be the major problem bloggers and online entrepreneurs encounter, and it's not a topic one can cover in a stance. Personal, I still have a lot to learn on the subject but my main source of traffic to this blog is through Google search. Then Forum posts, facebook, other search engines and links from other sites. I also get visitors from offline recommendations. I haven't tried article directory submission though. Since you asked, I'll try to write a post soon to explain, in details, how you can go about these traffic sources effectively.
Additionally, look for bloggers in your niche, comment constructively on their blog, follow them on twitter and/or facebook, write them guest posts: try to build a relationship with them. Look for platforms where groups of bloggers in your niche gather and join.
Most importantly, among every other traffic driving techniques, you need to give your blog visitors reasons to come back to your blog and possibly tell a friend.
You can connect with me on facebook HERE
Thanks one again for ur comment.
ik you actually got that tip right.After submitting my form to Gtbank.it took them about a week to transfer it my parent bank and when i got there to have transaction done.i was told one of referees had irregularity with his signature and i needed another.
It was from this point the customer service officer of Gtbank advised me to speak to a guy who maintains a regular Dorm acct with them and after speaking with the Gentle Man.he helpfully signed my ref form and erased my 3hrs stay in banking hall.
@Souleymon Nice one. It's good to know you finally figured it out and saved yourself some more waiting. You were also lucky to meet a concerned banker..
Thanks for your comments.
I wana know, after tendering a check to the bank, how long does it take for citi bank to pay/transfer fund into an adsense beneficiary's dom account?
A cheque takes 3 days to clear. it passes through the clearing house. Day 1 is the actual day the cheques is submitted, day 2 passes through cheque verification and they three is settlement of funds in beneficiary’s account
It's takes almost exactly 3 weeks/15 working days
Na waoh. Too long. I thought it's something of 24hours or two days!
That's another reason we are classified a developing country. Patience is what we need to keep things going for now. Let's hope Google gets to include Nigeria soon to the countries they pay affiliates through Western Union. That will help make payment as fast as 2 days or so.
Hello Ikenna, I just already added you as a friend on face book, I have my first google check on the way and I have been really wondering how to go about with the transaction, the fee and stuff like that.
Are you saying GTB takes just 10 dollars and nothing else irrespective of the amount involved?? actually that would be cool if that's what you are saying.
It is really great to join this miniature community of webmasters in nigeria, really fun.
Hi David,
Yeah, GTB only charge me 10 Euro for every cheque, though it seems they'll charge based on percentage for cheques that exceeds 1000 Euro. It's a fair bargain..
Here is a post I explained the entire process. How to Cash Your Google Adsense & International Check in Nigerian Banks
You're so welcome to join us. And congrats on your first check..
Thanks for commenting
Hello sir!
I have been following your post…Thanks for the insight.
Pls sir, I have a domiciliary account with gtbank, they have confirmed one reference letter remaining the other one.
I need the money sent to me by my sister to process my masters degrees programme which will close in the nearest month.
Pls sir, can you help me to sign the second reference letter?
I will come and meet you wherever you are
07032676965 is my contact.
You can help me with yours too.
I will really appreciate your kind gestures sir.
Pls save me sir!
Thanks in anticipation.