Moniepoint, a Nigerian fintech unicorn, has joined forces with AfriGO, the national domestic card scheme, to introduce five million contactless payment cards and tap-to-pay solutions in Nigeria. This collaboration is in line with Nigeria’s increasing adoption of contactless payments.
The strategic partnership aims to promote the use of contactless payments in Nigeria by leveraging Moniepoint’s extensive network of agents and merchants. By offering “tap and go” convenience, the initiative seeks to facilitate the transition from cash and PIN-based transactions to digital payments, thereby supporting the Central Bank’s cashless policy and expanding digital payment services to underserved communities.
The decision to work with AfriGO was based on the scheme’s cost-effectiveness compared to global alternatives. Moniepoint intends to launch contactless-enabled cards in the second half of 2025 as part of its efforts to enhance contactless payment infrastructure.
Adhering to the CBN’s guidelines for contactless payments, Moniepoint will implement risk management measures such as transaction limits and daily caps to protect customers from fraud. The company will also determine the threshold for requiring PIN authentication based on transaction values.
Despite the relative unfamiliarity with contactless payments in Nigeria compared to other markets, Moniepoint is committed to educating merchants and users about the benefits and security features of this payment method. The success of the Moniepoint–AfriGO partnership could pave the way for broader acceptance of contactless payments in Nigeria.