United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has introduced the Afrigo Card, a domestic card scheme designed to enhance Nigeria’s payment system and promote financial inclusion.
Afrigo, developed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in partnership with the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), serves as a homegrown alternative to international card schemes.
It allows customers to conduct seamless naira-denominated transactions tailored to the local market.
According to UBA, the card is designed to provide a secure, affordable and accessible option for daily transactions, in line with the apex bank’s push for a cashless economy.
UBA’s Group Head of Retail and Digital Banking, Shamsideen Fashola, highlighted the card’s flexibility and benefits, saying it caters to various segments of society, including small business owners, students and low-income earners.
“With Afrigo, we are offering a card that directly meets the needs of Nigerians. Its affordability, advanced security features, and potential for biometric authentication and offline transactions make it a crucial tool in promoting cashless transactions,” he said.
UBA’s Head of Cards, Joachim Iloemezue, described Afrigo as a “game-changer” in the financial sector.
“The Afrigo Card offers a reliable and cost-effective solution for everyday transactions while ensuring enhanced security, convenience, and nationwide accessibility. UBA remains committed to financial inclusion, and Afrigo aligns perfectly with this vision,” Iloemezue said.
UBA, one of Africa’s largest financial institutions, employs 25,000 people across 20 African countries, as well as the United Kingdom, the United States, France and the United Arab Emirates.
It serves over 45 million customers globally through retail, commercial and institutional banking services.
