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How to Send Money from the UK to Nigeria: A Complete Guide

Author Eyitemi Efole

Sending money from the UK to Nigeria has never been easier. With over £5 billion in annual remittances, Nigerians abroad are constantly seeking cheaper, faster, and more secure transfer options.

But with dozens of providers — each offering different rates, fees, and delivery speeds — it’s hard to know who gives the best deal.

That’s where nairaCompare’s Send Money tool comes in. Compare all major UK-to-Nigeria money transfer services in one click and find the cheapest, fastest, and most reliable option for your transfer.

 

Quick Summary: Why Use nairaCompare's Send Money Tool 

Instead of visiting multiple websites, nairaCompare brings all the information to one screen.


You’ll instantly see live exchange rates, total fees, transfer speeds, and exactly how much your recipient will receive in naira.

  • Real-time provider comparison
  • Transparent cost breakdown (no hidden mark-ups)
  • Speed and reliability ratings
  • Rate alerts for smarter timing

    👉 Compare UK-to-Nigeria transfer rates now — find the best deal before you send.

 

Current GBP → NGN Exchange Rate

Mid-market rate (August 2025): ~₦2,050 per £1
Rates vary by provider and update multiple times daily.

Provider 

Transfer Fee 

Exchange Rate Markup 

Speed 

Best For 

Wise 

0.41-0.78% 

Mid-market rate 

64% under 20 seconds 

Best overall value 

TransferGo 

£0 

Competitive rates 

Minutes 

Free transfers 

Revolut 

Varies by plan 

Real-time rates 

Under 30 minutes 

Existing users 

Western Union 

£1.90-£4.90 

3-4% markup 

Minutes to hours 

Cash pickup 

Remitly 

£0.99-£3.99 

1-3% markup 

Minutes 

New customer promos 


The nairaCompare Advantage: Compare Before You Send 

What makes our comparison unique: 

  • Real-time rate tracking from 15+ providers 
  • Total cost calculation including hidden fees 
  • Speed comparison for urgent transfers 
  • User reviews and safety ratings 
  • Rate alerts for optimal timing 

 

Why Traditional Banks Are Expensive 

Example: £1,000 Transfer Comparison

Provider Amount Received (₦) Savings vs Bank
UK Bank ₦1,950,000
Wise ₦2,042,000 £67
TransferGo ₦2,045,000 £70

💬 Tip: Traditional banks can charge 3–6% in hidden mark-ups and £15–£25 in fees — costing you up to £85 per £1,000 sent. Understanding how inflation affects your savings is crucial when choosing transfer timing. 

 

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Send Money to Nigeria 

Step 1: Compare Providers with NairaCompare 

1. Visit nairaCompare's Send Money page

2. Enter your transfer amount in GBP

3. Click “Compare rates”

4. Compare live rates from all providers

5. Choose based on cost, speed, or convenience 

 

Step 2: Choose Your Transfer Method 

1. Bank Transfer: Direct to GTBank, Zenith, Access, First Bank, UBA (instant – 24 h)

2. Mobile Wallet: OPay, PalmPay, Kuda, Moniepoint (minutes)

3. Cash Pickup: Western Union, MoneyGram locations (minutes)

 

Step 3: Complete Your Transfer 

Create an account with your chosen provider → verify identity → enter recipient details → review cost → pay → track your transaction.

1. Create an account with the chosen provider

2. Verify identity (passport/driving licence)

3. Enter recipient details (full name, account number, bank name)

4 Review total cost and fund transfer 

5. Track progress using the reference number 

 

Understanding Exchange Rates and Fees 

Term Meaning
Mid-market rate True, markup-free rate between GBP ↔ NGN
Spread Provider’s hidden profit margin
Transfer fee Up-front charge per transaction
Total cost Fee + exchange rate markup

Use nairaCompare's live GBP to NGN calculator to track real-time rates and optimize transfer timing. 

 

Transfer Speed Comparison 

Method 

Speed 

Best Providers 

Instant 

Under 1 minute 

Wise (from balance), TransferGo 

Fast 

1-30 minutes 

Revolut, Remitly Express 

Standard 

1-4 hours 

Wise (bank transfer), Western Union 

Economy 

3-5 days 

Traditional banks 

 

Security and Regulation 

All reputable providers must be: 

  • FCA regulated (Financial Conduct Authority) 
  • HMRC is registered for anti-money laundering 
  • Client money protected (funds held separately) 

Recipients should consider exclusive savings promotions from Nigerian banks to maximize transferred funds. 

 

Smart Money Management for Recipients 

Encourage recipients in Nigeria to:

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q: How does nairaCompare's tool work?

Our platform aggregates real-time rates from 15+ providers, calculates total costs including hidden fees, and ranks by value. 

Q: What's the cheapest way to send money?

It varies daily. Use our comparison tool to find the best deal for your specific amount and timing. 

Q: How much can I save?

Users typically save £25-£75 per £1,000 transfer compared to high street banks. 

Q: Can I get rate alerts?

Yes! You’ll soon be able to sign up for free email alerts when GBP/NGN rates improve.. 

 

Pro Tips for Regular Senders 

  • Compare providers before every transfer

  • Time transfers during UK business hours for better liquidity

  • Maintain accounts with two or more providers for flexibility

  • Monitor seasonal rate patterns and holiday promos

Choose NairaCompare for Best Results 

Sending money from the UK to Nigeria doesn't have to be expensive. nairaCompare's Send Money comparison tool eliminates guesswork by showing exactly which provider offers the best deal for your transfer. 

Whether you need the cheapest option, fastest delivery, or most convenient pickup, our platform compares everything in real-time. Join thousands of users who save money by comparing first. 

Ready to start saving? Compare providers now and see how much you can save on your next transfer. 

Last updated: October 2025. Exchange rates are subject to change. Always verify current rates using nairaCompare's live comparison tool. 

 

About Author

Eyitemi Efole

Eyitemi Efole is exploring the marketing field, with a particular interest in brand management, strategy, and operations. She is keen on understanding how brands build trust and connect meaningfully with their audience.

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