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Chief Commercial Officer of Itex, Adekunle Adebiyi Highlights Role of Fintech in Financial Inclusion

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Adekunle Adebiyi, Chief Commercial Officer at Itex Integrated Services Ltd, spoke extensively on the impact of fintech and Nigeria’s financial inclusion goals, in a recent interview on popular Lagos radio station, Nigeria Info FM.

Adebiyi shed light on the role of fintech in the country’s financial inclusion strategy, and how a focus on rural distribution can help reach more unbanked Nigerians. “Fintechs work with traditional banks to improve the sustainability and accessibility of the services they offer to the public.

“Because of this, distribution is crucial if we are to reach Nigerians without bank accounts. Rural areas, where more unbanked people reside, must become the focus instead of metropolitan and semi-urban areas.

“As a country, we have made progress toward financial inclusion, but if we are to meet our goal, we must use financial technology.”

Rural communities continue to suffer as banks cut operational costs by reducing the number of ATMs and branches, focusing instead on getting more customers to embrace digital banking through smartphones. Yet, 40 percent of adults living in rural areas have no formal bank account and limited smartphone access.

Thankfully, PoS terminals and mobile money agents are increasing, providing financial services and, in some cases, acting as an agent through which the unbanked can open tier 1 bank accounts requiring only passport photographs.

It was important to understand that traditional banking and fintech were both sides of the same coin. “Traditional banking and financial technology are not on either side of the divide; I see a convergence. Fintech is about using technology to enhance the process of financing, making it easier, accessible and sustainable.

For example, Itex has made buying electric bills easier; with a mobile device you can top up and pay for power without leaving the comfort of your home, that’s the effect of financial technology.”

Although Nigeria has the largest economy in Africa and is home to five of Africa’s seven unicorns, its target for financial inclusion as stated in the National Financial Inclusion Strategy (Revised) in 2018 had a goal to reach 80% financial inclusion in the year 2020, but only 64% of Nigerian adults were financially included by the end of 2020.

According to World Bank’s 2021 Global Findex, Nigeria was one of seven nations that contributed to half of the world’s unbanked population. By the end of 2021, the number of financially excluded persons in Nigeria was estimated to be 38 million, even though the gap between banked and unbanked people has been closing since 2011.

These numbers are not surprising given that 47.25 per cent of the Nigerian population live in rural areas and cannot get efficient financial services because most traditional banks do not have extensive branch networks.

However, Nigeria is progressively narrowing the gap between the banked and unbanked, and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s goal for financial inclusion no longer feels like a far-off dream since the rise of fintech and agent banking in the financial sector.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, digital financial transactions increased by 325 per cent to ₦704.04 trillion in 2020 from ₦165.8 trillion in 2019.

According to NIBSS data as of August 2022, the volume of financial transactions in a month had reached an all-time high, totalling ₦238.7 trillion. Nigerians may support the CBN’s cashless strategy, but that does not necessarily mean that the unbanked have increased access to these financial services. As a result, fintech is crucial in Nigeria’s effort to achieve financial inclusion.

The Central bank of Nigeria has set a target to reach 95 per cent financial inclusion by 2040. With innovations spearheaded by fintech, an increase in mobile money operators, the recent increase in Nigeria’s financial inclusion rate, and collaboration among stakeholders, the projection is not nearly as unachievable as it may have seemed years ago.


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Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd

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MoMo PSB Brings Relief to UNILAG Students with Ultra-Cheap Bus Fares

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MoMo Payment Service Bank (MoMo PSB), a fintech subsidiary of MTN Nigeria, has announced a partnership with Ogata Electric Vehicles to provide subsidised bus rides of ₦10 per fare to students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

MoMo PSB Brings Relief to UNILAG Students with Ultra-Cheap Bus Fares

MoMo PSB

The initiative, unveiled on Thursday in Lagos, is aimed at easing transportation costs for young Nigerians, particularly students, as part of MoMo PSB’s broader commitment to financial inclusion and digital accessibility.

MoMo PSB, which provides millions of Nigerians with secure financial services including transfers, savings, card services, bill payments and wallet solutions, said the transport subsidy reflects its mission to improve everyday life by reducing the cost of essential services.

The company explained that the partnership with Ogata Electric Vehicles would not only make commuting more affordable for students but also promote sustainable mobility through the use of electric buses.

Officials of MoMo PSB noted that the initiative is designed to bring “good cheer” to the UNILAG community, ensuring students can access safe, reliable and cost-effective transport while focusing on their education.


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MTN Nigeria Launches Unlimited 5G Broadband Plans to Boost Digital Inclusion

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MTN Nigeria has launched its Unlimited Broadband Data plans powered by 5G technology, a move the telecoms giant says will tackle long-standing challenges of capped data limits, high costs and unstable connectivity faced by internet users across the country.

MTN Nigeria Launches Unlimited 5G Broadband Plans to Boost Digital Inclusion

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Egerton Idehen, Chief Broadband Officer of MTN Nigeria, said the new product was designed to support high-demand users including streamers, gamers, households and businesses requiring uninterrupted connectivity.

“We’re building a broadband experience for everyday life. For content creators, remote workers, gamers, students and households. Our focus is on speed, reliability, low latency, and affordability.

“Broadband is designed to deliver seamless connectivity that empowers Nigerians to thrive in the digital economy,” Idehen said.

The plans, available in speed-based variants of 50Mbps and 100Mbps, promise lightning-fast speeds and ultra-low latency to address issues of lag and buffering. MTN said the packages would also provide affordable and flexible options to cater to diverse economic segments.

New customers who purchase a 5G router will enjoy a welcome bonus of unlimited data for the first 30 days, allowing them to experience the service before committing to long-term use.

The company explained that the initiative was part of its broader commitment to digital inclusion, enabling Nigerians to access stable connections for virtual meetings, large file transfers, online learning, high-definition streaming and professional gaming.

Customers can subscribe to the Unlimited Broadband Plans by dialling 4611#, using the MyMTN app, MTN eShop, MTN website, or visiting authorised retail outlets nationwide.


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Airtel Africa Foundation Opens Undergraduate Scholarship Portal in Nigeria

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The Airtel Africa Foundation has opened applications for its Undergraduate Tech Scholarship in Nigeria, inviting first-year university students with strong academic potential to apply for financial support aimed at accelerating their studies in technology and related fields.

The scheme provides full tuition, accommodation support, and essential study materials for eligible 100-level students. It forms part of the Foundation’s F.E.E.D. agenda, which promotes Financial Empowerment, Education, Environmental Protection, and Digital Inclusion, with a focus on creating pathways for talented young people who face financial barriers.

Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunity. He noted that, “Education is one of the most powerful tools for national development,” adding that “as an organisation, Airtel is determined to build a platform for aspiring young Nigerians to learn, innovate and lead in the country’s expanding technology landscape.”

Applications are open to students pursuing courses such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, and other ICT-related disciplines at participating universities: University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Benin, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ilorin, and Tai Solarin University of Education.

Dr Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, said the scholarship demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to nurturing Africa’s next generation of digital leaders. “Young Africans are brimming with talent and ambition. What many need is a fair chance to pursue their education without financial pressure. This scholarship reflects our belief that investing in their growth will strengthen communities, empower families, and expand the continent’s digital future,” he said.

Applicants must be enrolled in 100-level, have scored at least 230 in JAMB, and hold a minimum of five credits in WAEC, including English and Mathematics, in a single sitting. Required documents include Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) results, university admission letter, West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate, student identity card, and academic transcript or university results.

The Foundation encourages qualified students across the listed institutions to apply and position themselves for a stronger start in the technology sector. Applications can be submitted at candidate.scholastica.ng/schemes/airtelfellowship2025.

 


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