Access Bank has become the first Nigerian bank to issue the first live card of Nigeria’s national card scheme called AfriGO Card.
The AfriGO card scheme is the result of a collaboration between the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS)
At its launch in January 2023, the CBN Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, announced that the card will work like other international payment cards, with the goal of increasing financial inclusion in the country and decreasing reliance on foreign cards.
According to Deputy Managing Director for Retail Banking at Access Bank, Mr Victor Etuokwu, “It is with excitement that we announce that Access Bank, Nigeria’s largest retail bank with over 60 million customers, is the first financial institution in Nigeria to successfully issue the first live card of Nigeria’s national card scheme- AfriGO.”
“The AfriGO Card has additional benefits because it is designed to facilitate the growth of Nigeria’s payment ecosystem, thereby supporting more tailored payment services.
“It will strengthen payment security, expand financial participation, guarantee data sovereignty, eliminate FX dependency, and provide Nigerians with several other benefits. Cardholders will enjoy increased affordability and more flexible payment options,” he added.
According to Premier Oiwoh, the MD/CEO of NIBSS, “The payments landscape in Nigeria has continued to evolve via seamless and convenient real-time electronic payment solutions driven by innovation and advancement in technology.
“The launch of our national domestic card scheme AfriGO is very timely; AfriGO will drive our financial inclusion goals amongst many benefits, and we are thrilled that Access Bank is the first bank in Nigeria to issue AfriGO cards to its customers.
“Access Bank has demonstrated the much-needed commitment to enhancing financial inclusion, and we urge other financial institutions to commence issuing AfriGO for more accessible and convenient payments for all Nigerians, regardless of their location or financial status.”
Ms Aminu Maida, Executive Director for NIBSS, stated that, “With technological advancements, there are more options for payments, and the recently launched national domestic card scheme, AfriGO, gives us assured comfort on all financial transactions. We are excited that Access Bank is the first to key into our belief of AfriGO’s immense value to the Nigerian financial ecosystem.
