Unity Bank Plc, a prominent financial institution in Nigeria, has joined forces with AfriGo, a domestic card scheme provider, to bolster the utilization of cards among its retail customer base. This collaboration aims to promote electronic payment adoption and foster financial inclusion across the nation. The partnership was formalized during a strategic meeting held at Unity Bank’s headquarters in Lagos, where executives from both entities discussed the potential of the AfriGo card platform to revolutionize Nigeria’s payment landscape. This strategic alliance underscores the commitment of both organizations to expanding access to financial services and promoting a cashless economy in Nigeria.
Ebenezer Kolawole, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Unity Bank, expressed the bank’s steadfast dedication to making the AfriGo card a primary channel for transactions. Recognizing the importance of supporting homegrown solutions, Kolawole emphasized the significance of promoting AfriGo, a national domestic card scheme, both internally within the bank’s operations and externally to the wider public. He further underscored the potential of the AfriGo card to reshape the Nigerian card payment ecosystem. This commitment signifies Unity Bank’s belief in leveraging local innovations to advance financial services within the country.
Kolawole reinforced Unity Bank’s ongoing support for the AfriGo card across its network and encouraged AfriGo to intensify its awareness campaigns to drive market acceptance. He believes that increased visibility and understanding of the AfriGo card’s benefits will encourage wider adoption among the public. This synergistic approach aims to create a more inclusive financial system, enabling a larger segment of the population to participate in the formal economy. The focus on market education also highlights the importance of building consumer trust and confidence in domestic payment solutions.
Ebehijie Momoh, the Managing Director of AfriGo, praised Unity Bank’s support for the scheme, highlighting the bank’s position among the top five adopters of the AfriGo card. He emphasized the growing impact of the card in expanding financial inclusion and improving access to electronic payments. Momoh acknowledged Unity Bank’s crucial role in the successful implementation and adoption of the AfriGo platform, demonstrating the importance of collaborative partnerships in achieving shared objectives. The recognition of Unity Bank’s contribution reinforces the strength of the partnership and its potential for future growth.
Momoh highlighted AfriGo’s continuous innovation, particularly in technologies that enable instant payments and offline capabilities. These advancements are critical for extending e-payment services to underserved markets and bridging the digital divide. The development of offline functionality is especially relevant in Nigeria, addressing the challenges of inconsistent internet connectivity and ensuring access to financial services for all. He also mentioned the integration of solutions like Tap & Go, facilitating contactless payments and enhancing convenience for cardholders, particularly for daily commutes and transactions.
Momoh expressed optimism about leveraging Unity Bank’s extensive retail network to further their collaborative efforts. He envisioned this partnership as a catalyst for deepening e-banking penetration nationwide, reaching a broader customer base and driving financial inclusion. The shared vision of expanding e-banking access emphasizes the strategic alignment between Unity Bank and AfriGo in promoting financial innovation and enhancing financial services accessibility across Nigeria. This collaboration represents a significant step towards building a more digitally inclusive financial ecosystem and empowering individuals and businesses with efficient and convenient payment options.
