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Mastercard to Drive Digital Payment Transformation in Nigeria through Contactless Solutions 

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L-R: Director, Acceptance and Digital Infrastructure, East & West Africa, Mastercard, Vincent Attah; Head, E-Business, Zenith Bank, Chukwudi Ibemere; Vice President, Customer Solutions Center, East & West Africa, Mastercard, Kari Tukur; Head of Payment Operations, Prophius Limited, Blessing Oni, and Divisional Head, Payments and Solutions at FCMB, Frank Atat, at the Mastercard Conversations on Contactless in Lagos on December 15, 2024.
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Mastercard leads the charge in transforming Nigeria’s payment landscape as it unveils its contactless payment solutions. The solution will empower businesses to accept card payments easily and cost effectively, using “tap on phone”, “QR Pay by link” and “Payment link” on their smart phones.

L-R: Director, Acceptance and Digital Infrastructure, East & West Africa, Mastercard, Vincent Attah; Head, E-Business, Zenith Bank, Chukwudi Ibemere; Vice President, Customer Solutions Center, East & West Africa, Mastercard, Kari Tukur; Head of Payment Operations, Prophius Limited, Blessing Oni, and Divisional Head, Payments and Solutions at FCMB, Frank Atat, at the Mastercard Conversations on Contactless in Lagos on December 15, 2024.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), recognizing the booming growth of the Nigerian payment market, has taken a significant step in shaping the future of payments by introducing the Framework for Quick Response (QR) Code Payment in January 2021.

This was followed by the release of the Exposure Draft of the CBN Guidelines for Contactless Payment in Nigeria in October 2022. The guidelines define contactless payment as “the consummation of financial transactions without physical contact between payer and the acquiring device(s),” enabling secure payments using Near Field Communication (NFC), Radio Frequency, or QR Codes.

With approximately 40 million small businesses in Nigeria, contactless payment options will make it easier for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to accept payments, thereby boosting growth. Traditional payment acceptance terminals can be too expensive for SMEs.

Mastercard’s contactless options will dramatically reduce the cost of payment acceptance devices, making it financially feasible for SMEs to adopt this technology.

This means that even small businesses can use their low-cost smartphones to accept payments safely and easily, by utilising QR codes, Payment Links, and Contactless payments, all pre-equipped with Mastercard’s secure payment acceptance technology.

“As we navigate the evolving landscape of payments in Nigeria, Mastercard is proud to launch its contactless payment solutions. We understand the importance of seamless, secure, and cost-effective digital payment solutions, particularly for small businesses and consumers.

“We are determined to support and accelerate the adoption of innovative payment methods, ultimately fostering financial inclusion and economic growth in Nigeria.

“We’re committed to making a digitally inclusive future a reality for all.” said Kari Tukur, the Vice-President of Customer Solutions, East and West Africa at Mastercard.

For businesses, QR code payments represent a compelling way to process payments without having to invest in extra hardware – customers can simply set up QR code payments on their smartphone and they’re ready to go.

Contactless payments make the checkout experience faster and more convenient for all parties involved. With a contactless payment system in place, customers can skip the step of paying by cash or swiping their card and inputting the PIN. They can simply tap the card against the terminal, in this case their mobile phone, making for smoother transactions.

The NFC (Near Field Communication) technology that is built into contactless cards ensures seamless payment processing. Contactless payments also save a lot of time for business owners by decreasing transaction times and making it easier to invest that time in other business-related duties like inventory management.

This technology provides several benefits to consumers, including convenience, speed, security, and accessibility. Transactions are processed swiftly, reducing waiting times, while providing a secure payment method that minimizes the risks associated with cash payments.

This development underscores Mastercard’s commitment to connect 1 billion individuals and 50 million micro and small merchants to the digital economy by 2025.


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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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