Connecting Lives Across Continents: Exploring the Canada-Nigeria Remittance Corridor

Joachim Adeponle

Jan 17, 2024 • 9 min read

Nigeria is one of the many African countries that have a significant diaspora population in Canada. With 111,465 Nigerians living in the country as at 2021, it is estimated that Nigerians make up about 23% of Africans living in Canada.

Many Nigerians in Canada are skilled professionals working in various sectors, contributing to the Canadian economy. A significant portion of their income is sent back home to support families and contribute to development in Nigeria.

With such a healthy diaspora population; it is all too evident that there must be a remittance corridor between the two countries for outflow and inflow of remittances between the two countries. In this article, we shall be taking pains to find out what the Canada-Nigeria Remittance corridor is and how it works.

What Is A Remittance Corridor?

Remittance corridors are established channels for transferring money across international borders. These channels connect senders in one country (typically migrants working abroad) with receivers in another, usually their families back home. Remittances play a crucial role in:

Supporting families: They provide essential income for basic needs like food, education, healthcare, and shelter. Studies show a direct link between increased remittances and improved living standards in recipient countries.
Boosting economies: Remittances contribute significantly to national income in many developing countries, exceeding foreign aid in some cases. They stimulate local economies by increasing purchasing power, driving investments, and creating jobs.
Promoting development: Remittances can be used for productive purposes like starting businesses, investing in agriculture, and funding education. This contributes to long-term economic growth and poverty reduction.

What Are The Various Types Of Remittance Corridors Between Canada And Nigeria?

It is important to note that while there isn't a strict classification system for "types" of remittance corridors, we can consider different dimensions when analysing the Canada-Nigeria corridor:

1. By Transfer Method

This method involves the following:

Traditional Money Transfer Operators (MTOs): These established players like Western Union and MoneyGram offer walk-in and online services, but often have high fees and slower transfer speeds.
Mobile Money Operators (MMOs): Platforms like MTN and Airtel Money enable convenient mobile-based remittance options, particularly beneficial for reaching unbanked populations in Nigeria.
Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Payment Platforms: Services like WorldRemit and TransferWise leverage online and mobile platforms for faster and potentially cheaper transfers, often relying on bank transfers for payouts.
Blockchain-based Solutions: Emerging platforms utilising blockchain technology are exploring faster, cheaper, and more transparent remittance options, though still in their early stages.

2. By Formality

The formality aspect consists of the following:

Formal Channels: These involve regulated services like MTOs, banks, and P2P platforms with KYC (Know Your Customer) procedures and compliance with anti-money laundering regulations.
Informal Channels: These encompass personal hand-carries of cash or informal money transfer networks, often outside regulatory oversight and potentially riskier.

3. By Purpose

Remittance corridors based on their purpose include the following:

Personal Use: These remittances typically support families' basic needs like food, education, and healthcare.
Investment-Oriented: Some remittances are used for entrepreneurial ventures, real estate investments, or supporting community development projects in Nigeria.

4. By Sender Profile

While classifying, remittance corridors by sender profile, the following will be identified:

Skilled Professionals: Nigerians working in various sectors in Canada send remittances back to support families and contribute to development.
Students: International students from Nigeria might send smaller amounts home for living expenses or family support.

These are just some ways to categorize the Canada-Nigeria remittance corridor. The specific type of corridor used depends on individual needs, preferences, and access to different services. Understanding these different dimensions can help individuals choose the most suitable and efficient option for their specific remittance needs.

What Are The Challenges in the Canada-Nigeria Remittance Corridor?

Despite the importance of remittances, sending money from Canada to Nigeria can be challenging due to:

High fees: Traditional money transfer operators (MTOs) often charge high fees, sometimes exceeding 10% of the transaction amount. This significantly reduces the amount received by families in Nigeria.
Slow transfer speeds: Transfers can take several days, impacting timely access to funds for essential needs.
Lack of transparency: Senders might not have clear information about fees, exchange rates, and transfer status, leading to concerns and frustration.
Limited access to financial services: Unbanked populations in rural areas face challenges receiving remittances through traditional channels.

These challenges highlight the need for innovative and efficient solutions to make remittances faster, cheaper, and more transparent for the Canada-Nigeria corridor.

What Is The Current Landscape of the Canada-Nigeria Remittance Corridor?

The current landscape of the Canada-Nigeria remittance corridor can be analysed to have a volume and value of over $1.3 billion sent from Canada to Nigeria in 2022 as reported by the World Bank making it a significant remittance corridor, especially from the Americas.

Their data showed that the average transaction size varies but typically falls within the $200-$500 range.

Major Players in the Canada-Nigeria remittance corridor include:

Traditional MTOs which include firms like Western Union, MoneyGram, Ria Money Transfer dominate with extensive networks but often have high fees and slower speeds..
Banks also come into the mix offering international wire transfers but can be expensive and have complex procedures.
Fintech Companies also make the list especially emerging players like WorldRemit, TransferWise, and SanaTransfer leveraging technology for faster, potentially cheaper options with varying features.
Mobile Money Operators (MMOs) also come in handy with players like MTN, Airtel Money, and others playing a growing role in reaching unbanked populations in Nigeria for convenient mobile transfers.

What Are The Methods Used By These Players In The Canada-Nigeria Remittance Corridor?

Methods used by these players in the Canada-Nigeria remittance corridor includes:

Bank Transferswhich are secure but can be slow and expensive, often used for larger amounts.
Mobile Money is convenient and increasingly popular, but is only more effective for smaller transfers within Nigeria.
Cash Pickups which is the traditional option is also available but is slower and potentially less secure than digital methods.
Online Platforms which are Fintech companies, offer user-friendly online interfaces for initiating and tracking transfers; focusing on speed, security and low rates.

What Are The Fees, Speeds, and Security Of These Platforms?

Traditional MTOs generally have higher fees (7-10%) and slower transfer speeds (1-3 days). Security measures are established but vary.
Banks have their fees slated as very high for international transfers, and speeds depend on bank protocols. But the upside of this is that security of the remitted funds are robust.
Fintech Companies often offer lower fees (2-5%) and faster speeds (same-day or near-instant) and their security protocols are evolving and vary by company.
Mobile Money Operators have their fees as competitive, speeds are relatively fast within Nigeria, and security depends on the specific platform.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Canada-Nigeria Remittance Corridor

The Canada-Nigeria remittance corridor, though a very important lifeline, comes riddled with challenges which produce opportunities for the smart, brave and the bold. We shall be addressing them below:

High Remittance Costs

Several factors contribute to the relatively high cost of sending money from Canada to Nigeria:

Regulations: Compliance with anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) regulations can add complexity and expense for providers.
Infrastructure Limitations: Lack of efficient financial infrastructure in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas, can increase operational costs for MTOs and banks.
Lack of Competition: Traditional MTOs often dominate the market, potentially limiting competition and keeping fees higher than they could be with more innovative players

2. Financial Inclusion and Unbanked Populations:

Unbanked Population: A significant portion of the Nigerian population (over 36%) remains unbanked, presenting a challenge in reaching them with traditional remittance methods.
Limited Access to Technology: Even for those with basic phones, internet access and digital literacy can be barriers to utilising mobile money platforms.
Financial Education: Lack of awareness about available options and their features can limit individuals' ability to choose the most efficient and cost-effective remittance methods.

Opportunities With New Technologies In The Canada-Nigeria Remittance Corridor

Now that we have seen the different challenges faced by the Canada-Nigeria remittance corridor, let us now check out the opportunities these challenges present:

Blockchain: Emerging blockchain-based solutions promise faster, cheaper, and more transparent remittance options, leveraging distributed ledger technology to streamline processes and potentially reduce fees.
Mobile Money: Expanded reach of mobile money platforms and increased financial literacy can provide convenient and affordable remittance options for unbanked populations.
Fintech Innovation: Continued development of innovative fintech solutions can foster greater competition, offering users more efficient, transparent, and cost-effective remittance services.

Addressing these challenges and leveraging new technologies hold immense potential for improving the Canada-Nigeria remittance corridor, making it faster, cheaper, and more accessible for everyone involved.

Tips On Choosing The Right Remittance Partner

Sending money back home to Nigeria shouldn't be a hassle. To make that so, here are some tips to help you choose the best remittance partner for your needs:

Compare Fees and Speeds:

Look for providers who clearly display all fees involved, including transfer fees, currency exchange rates, and any hidden charges. Consider the trade-off between transfer speed (same-day vs. multi-day) and fees when choosing a provider.

Prioritize Transparency and Security:

Choose a provider with real-time tracking and clear communication throughout the remittance process. Ensure the provider utilises robust security measures like encryption and fraud protection to safeguard your money.

Prioritize On Excellent Customer Service:

Opt for a provider with readily available and helpful customer service to address any questions or concerns you might have. Choose a provider offering various contact channels like phone, email, and online chat for your convenience.

Introducing Sana Transfer:

Sana Transfer is a Canadian fintech company dedicated to making remittances to Nigeria and more than 70 other countries around the world; faster, cheaper, and more transparent. Here's what sets us apart:

Competitive Fees: We offer some of the lowest fees in the market, typically ranging from 2-5%, with no hidden charges.
Same-Day Transfers: Get your money delivered to your loved ones in Nigeria instantly or within the same day.
Exceptional Transparency: Track your transfers in real-time and stay informed every step of the way.
Seamless Online Experience: Send money conveniently and securely from your phone or computer with our user-friendly platform.
Dedicated Customer Support: Our friendly and knowledgeable team is always available to assist you with any questions.

Visit Sana Transfer today and discover a better way to send money to Nigeria and the rest of the world. We're committed to providing you with a fast, affordable, and transparent remittance experience. Don't just send money, send happiness and peace of mind. Choose Sana Transfer.

What Are The Canadian And Nigerian Government Policies And Regulations In Supporting Responsible Remittance Use?

Both the Canadian and Nigerian governments recognize the significant role remittances play in supporting families and boosting economic development. They have implemented various policies and regulations aimed at encouraging responsible remittance use:

As for the Canadian Government, financial literacy initiatives is a priority as the government ensures it rolls out programs to educate senders about responsible financial management and choosing reputable remittance providers.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating Financing of Terrorism (CFT) Regulations are also in place to prevent illegal activities by requiring Money Transfer Operators to comply with strict Know Your Customer and transaction monitoring procedures.

There is also partnership with development agencies to promote productive use of remittances for investments, education, and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

On the part of the Nigerian Government, the National Financial Inclusion Strategy was set up to increase access to financial services, including mobile money, for unbanked populations to facilitate remittance receipt and usage.

The country’s diaspora engagement initiatives also go a long way in encouraging Nigerians abroad to invest in their home country through various programs and incentives.

Regulation of Money Transfer Operators (MTOs) also helps establish guidelines for MTOs operating in Nigeria, ensuring transparency and consumer protection.

The Nigerian government also rolls out programs to educate recipients about managing remittances effectively and investing in income-generating activities.

Challenges And Opportunities For Both Countries

As much as these countries strive to ensure that they continue to maintain the Canada-Nigeria remittance corridor, there comes challenges and opportunities that include:

Streamlining regulations between both countries which will further improve transparency and efficiency in the remittance corridor.

Enhancing financial Inclusion to ensure that unbanked populations in Nigeria and provide them with access to financial services.

Promoting productive use of the corridor through programs and incentives which encourage recipients to use remittances for investments, education, and starting businesses, contributing to long-term economic development.

By working together and implementing effective policies, both governments can ensure that remittances contribute positively to the lives of individuals and economies in both Canada and Nigeria

Final Words

The Canada-Nigeria remittance corridor plays a vital role in supporting families, driving economic growth, and fostering development in Nigeria. Despite its significance, challenges like high fees, slow transfer speeds, and limited financial inclusion persist.

Fortunately, continued efforts by governments, regulators, and innovative fintech companies like SanaTransfer is paving the way for a brighter future. We recognize the need for faster, cheaper, and more transparent remittance solutions to empower the Nigerian diaspora in Canada and support their families back home.

SanaTransfer is committed to providing:

Competitive fees: Enjoy some of the lowest rates in the market, typically ranging from 2-5%, with no hidden charges.
Unmatched speed: Get your money delivered instantly or within the same day, ensuring faster access for your loved ones.
Exceptional transparency: Track your transfers every step of the way and stay informed throughout the process.
Seamless online experience: Send money conveniently and securely from your phone or computer with our user-friendly platform.
Dedicated customer support: Our friendly team is always available to assist you with any questions or concerns.

Join the SanaTransfer community and experience the difference; and together, we can build a brighter future for the Canada-Nigeria remittance corridor, one faster, cheaper, and more transparent transfer at a time.