“The very fact that you are a Nigerian abroad is a problem” — Catholic Bishop Godfrey Onah

Catholic Bishop Godfrey Onah has alleged that Nigerians face discriminatory banking restrictions in Italy, claiming that some financial institutions impose special rules on customers based on their country of birth.

Onah made the allegation in a viral video in which he recounted his experiences with financial services in Italy, including an incident at the Vatican Bank that required him to obtain special authorisation before withdrawing money from his account.

The bishop expressed concern that Nigerians living in Italy could face additional difficulties accessing banking services simply because of their nationality or birthplace.

 

Nigerians allegedly face restrictions on banking services

Speaking in the video, Onah said some Nigerians living in Italy had recently encountered difficulties opening accounts with Postepay, a payment service provider.

 

He suggested that the restrictions specifically affected Nigerians, adding that the challenges could make life more difficult for them despite living outside their home country.

“Sometimes for us Nigerians, the very fact that you are a Nigerian is a problem, complicates life for you,” he said.

 

The bishop then addressed Nigerians living in Italy who had recently attempted to open accounts with Postepay, saying they might have been unsuccessful because of the reported restrictions.

 

“You no longer can,” he added.

 

Bishop recounts experience at Vatican Bank

Onah also narrated an incident at the Vatican Bank, where he said he was asked to obtain administrative authorisation before withdrawing money from his account.

 

According to him, the incident occurred two days before he made the remarks.

 

He explained that he had exceeded the permitted withdrawal limit and was informed that approval from the administration or secretariat was required before he could access the money.

 

The bishop said the experience surprised and slightly irritated him because he had not encountered such a requirement in the past.

 

He recalled that a priest who accompanied him asked whether the restriction applied to everyone or only to bishops.

 

“The answer was shocking,” Onah said, explaining that the response suggested the rule depended on the country where a customer was born.

 

Bishop claims rule targets Nigerians

The cleric alleged that the requirement was specifically directed at Nigerians, arguing that their birthplace could determine how much money they were allowed to withdraw from financial institutions in Italy.

 

“It depends on where you were born. So this rule is specific targeting Nigerians,” he said.

 

He further claimed that Nigerians could be prevented from withdrawing certain amounts of their own money from Italian banks, including the Vatican Bank, even when they held positions such as bishops.

 

“You can’t withdraw a certain amount of your money from Italian banks, including the Vatican, even if you are a bishop, if you are born in Nigeria,” he said.

 

Watch the video here;