In Nigeria’s fast-moving trade environment, payment disputes can quickly disrupt cash flow and strain relationships with banks and suppliers. Understanding bank chargeback assistance in Nigeria is therefore essential for importers, wholesalers, and FMCG distributors who rely on timely, secure payments to keep goods moving.

What Is Bank Chargeback Assistance in Nigeria?

Bank chargeback assistance in Nigeria refers to the support a business receives when asking a bank or payment provider to reverse a disputed transaction. This typically applies to:

• Card payments (debit/credit card disputes)

• POS and online payment errors

• Duplicate debits or unauthorized transactions

• Failed refunds or incorrect settlement amounts

For businesses involved in import/export or wholesale distribution, chargebacks are often linked to:

• Incorrect billing when paying suppliers

• Foreign currency transaction errors

• Charges for goods or services not received

While chargebacks are sometimes viewed as a consumer tool, Nigerian businesses can also use them to protect working capital—provided they understand the process and timelines.

Why Chargebacks Matter for Nigerian Importers and Wholesalers

For trade-focused businesses, cash flow is everything. When funds are stuck in disputed transactions, it can affect:

• Stock replenishment – delayed funds mean delayed orders

• Supplier confidence – especially with overseas partners

• Logistics scheduling – if payments to shipping lines or freight forwarders fail or are delayed

Effective bank chargeback assistance in Nigeria helps reduce these risks by ensuring disputed funds are traced, documented, and, where justified, returned.

Wigmore Trading works with importers and distributors across Africa and understands how payment issues can derail a shipment. While banks ultimately control the chargeback decision, a trading partner that understands documentation, invoices, and proof of delivery can significantly strengthen your case.

Common Chargeback Scenarios for Businesses in Nigeria

Businesses operating in FMCG, logistics, and wholesale trade may face recurring chargeback situations such as:

• Duplicate charges for a single payment at a POS terminal

• Card debited but transaction failed, especially when paying duties, port fees, or trucking charges

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• Incorrect FX conversion on international card payments

• Unauthorized transactions made on company cards

• Non-delivery of goods from a supplier despite confirmed payment

In each case, the bank will request specific documentation. Having accurate invoices, purchase orders, shipping documents, and proof of non-delivery or error is crucial for successful bank chargeback assistance in Nigeria.

How the Chargeback Process Works in Nigeria

While each bank follows its own internal procedure, the core steps for bank chargeback assistance in Nigeria are similar:

1. Identify and record the issue

As soon as you spot a problem on your statement:

• Note the date, amount, and merchant name

• Capture screenshots or transaction receipts

• Inform your internal finance or accounts team

Early detection is important, because chargebacks usually have fixed time limits.

2. Contact your bank promptly

Most Nigerian banks require disputes to be raised within a defined period (often 30–60 days, depending on channel and card scheme). When you contact the bank:

• Provide transaction details and a clear explanation

• Submit all supporting documents (invoices, emails, delivery notes, etc.)

• Ask for a ticket or reference number for tracking

3. Bank review and investigation

The bank will:

• Validate your claim

• Liaise with the acquiring bank or payment processor

• Possibly make a provisional reversal while they investigate (depending on the case)

For cross-border trade transactions, this step can take longer because it may involve multiple banks and payment networks.

4. Resolution and reversal (if approved)

If the case is successful, the disputed amount is reversed to your account. If declined, you may:

• Request further clarification

• Provide additional documentation

• Review internal controls to prevent a repeat

Throughout this process, organized records and clear communication make bank chargeback assistance in Nigeria more efficient.

Practical Tips to Improve Chargeback Outcomes

To increase the chances of a favourable outcome:

• Keep detailed records
  Maintain organized files of invoices, pro forma invoices, shipping documents (BOL, AWB), and proof of delivery.

• Standardize payment channels
  Use trusted, well-documented channels for supplier payments instead of multiple informal methods.

• Implement internal controls
  Restrict who can initiate high-value payments and ensure dual authorization on company cards and online banking.

• Monitor accounts daily
  Early identification of anomalies gives your bank more time to act.

• Work with experienced trade partners
  A trading and logistics partner who understands documentation and compliance makes it easier to present a clear case to the bank.

How Wigmore Trading Supports Payment and Chargeback Challenges

Wigmore Trading’s core focus is on import/export, wholesale distribution, and logistics across Africa, including Nigeria. While banks and payment processors manage the technical side of chargebacks, Wigmore Trading can:

• Ensure accurate and complete trade documentation for payments and shipments

• Coordinate with suppliers and logistics partners to clarify discrepancies

• Help trace goods, delivery status, and shipment timelines to support dispute evidence

• Advise on safer payment structures, such as staged payments or using reputable intermediaries

This practical support reduces the likelihood of disputed payments and helps Nigerian businesses maintain reliable supply chains, even when issues with transactions arise.

Conclusion: Building Resilient Trade Operations in Nigeria

Bank chargebacks are not just a consumer concern—they are an essential risk management tool for Nigerian importers, wholesalers, and logistics-focused businesses. By understanding bank chargeback assistance in Nigeria, keeping strong records, and working with experienced trade partners, businesses can protect cash flow and maintain trust with suppliers and service providers.

If your operations involve cross-border sourcing, FMCG distribution, or complex logistics flows, structured support around payments and documentation can make a significant difference when disputes arise.

Wigmore Trading can help. Contact Wigmore Trading today to streamline your sourcing and strengthen your trade operations.