As Nigeria targets roughly 95 per cent financial inclusion by 2028 under the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Payment System Vision 2028, fintech company OPay is being recognized as a key enabler of the country’s drive toward a more inclusive, digitally connected economy.

The CBN recently unveiled the framework under the message “Empowering People, Connecting Markets, Growing the Economy,” designed to strengthen Nigeria’s payment ecosystem through better infrastructure, interoperability, security and inclusion.

Nigeria’s financial sector has shifted from reliance on bank branches toward digital channels. Tens of millions of Nigerians now transfer money, settle bills, receive salaries and conduct business without visiting a branch, with OPay among the companies building the supporting infrastructure.

The framework prioritizes broader digital banking access, increased mobile money adoption, expanded agency banking, simplified onboarding and deeper penetration into underserved communities. Analysts say OPay’s model, combining digital technology with an extensive agent and merchant network, has extended services to individuals and businesses previously on the margins of the formal system.

The strategy also emphasizes innovation, open banking, digital identity integration and artificial intelligence, alongside cybersecurity, fraud prevention and consumer protection. OPay has continued to invest in security infrastructure and customer education to reinforce trust.

Experts say successful implementation will require sustained collaboration among regulators, banks, fintechs and mobile money operators. For OPay and others, the opportunity lies in building a more inclusive, connected and digitally enabled economy capable of supporting Nigeria’s long term development.