An encounter at the Vatican Bank has prompted Catholic Bishop Godfrey Onah to raise concerns about the treatment of Nigerians abroad over their nationality or place of birth.

According to SaharaReporters, the Bishop of Nsukka Diocese made the disclosure in a video posted on his YouTube channel on Wednesday, recounting an experience in which he said his Nigerian birthplace became a factor in determining his access to funds held in his bank account.

Onah, who formerly served as Vice-Rector of the Pontifical Urban University in Rome, said the issue arose when he attempted to withdraw cash. Bank officials reportedly told him that approval from the administration or secretariat was required because the amount involved exceeded the permitted withdrawal limit.

According to the bishop, Father Johnson, the priest who accompanied him, questioned whether the requirement applied to all customers or was specifically directed at bishops. Onah said the response pointed instead to the country in which a customer was born. He interpreted the explanation as evidence that Nigerians were being singled out.

The bishop also cited concerns about Nigerians seeking financial services in Italy, referring to attempts by some to open PostPay accounts. However, he did not establish whether the restriction he described was part of a formal policy affecting Nigerian customers generally.