OPay: Committed to Nigeria, advancing inclusive finance through technology

In a vibrant display of resilience and dedication, OPay recently hosted its Live Town Hall in Lagos on September 2, bringing together the company’s leadership, industry stakeholders, media representatives, and partners. The gathering aimed to reaffirm OPay’s strong commitment to the Nigerian market and clarify its ongoing operations amidst swirling rumors.

Just days before the town hall, false claims began circulating online suggesting that the company would cease its operations in Nigeria as of September 1, effectively going on indefinite leave. Instead of merely dismissing these rumours, OPay chose to address them head-on, using the town hall as a platform to provide transparency about its presence in the country.

Dotun Adekunle, OPay’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer, took to the stage to share the impressive scale of the company’s operations. “OPay is here, OPay is operating, and OPay is going nowhere,” he declared confidently. With a workforce of over 7,000 employees in Nigeria and a network of more than 1 million merchants, the company is supporting millions of customers through its innovative services.

The numbers paint a compelling picture that speaks volumes, overshadowing the unfounded rumours that had emerged. As OPay continues to serve its customers and merchants seamlessly, it remains a significant player in Nigeria’s burgeoning fintech landscape, committed to sustaining its growth and impact for the long haul.

From a payments app to a major financial network

In recent years, OPay has emerged as a key player in Nigeria’s digital financial services sector, offering a wide range of services that include money transfers, bill payments, card services, and the purchasing of airtime and data. As the company has expanded, it has strategically established a robust physical presence to complement its digital offerings.

In 2026 alone, the company unveiled over 26 new support offices across Nigeria. This initiative aims to provide customers and merchants with easier access to assistance beyond the digital realm. This is particularly crucial in a market where millions of Nigerians rely on digital financial services but still value the option of face-to-face support when facing issues with payments, accounts, or transactions.

Additionally, the company has built a significant merchant network, currently boasting more than one million merchants actively using its platform. This widespread adoption has made OPay an integral part of the daily payment ecosystem for businesses throughout the country. For many small businesses, digital payment solutions have evolved from being just a cash alternative, transforming into a fundamental method for managing and receiving financial transactions.

OPay is dedicated to making these transactions simpler and more accessible, while simultaneously empowering both consumers and businesses with innovative technology. The company’s commitment to fostering financial inclusion extends well beyond payments, demonstrating a vision for a more interconnected and inclusive financial landscape in Nigeria.

OPay is putting money behind Nigeria’s next generation

One of the areas OPay highlighted at the town hall was education.

At the town hall meeting, the company underscored its deep commitment to education, announcing a significant investment of ₦1.2 billion over the next decade to support scholarships for students pursuing higher education across Nigeria. This initiative has already benefited numerous students at esteemed institutions like the University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, Obafemi Awolowo University, and Lagos State University, among others.

But OPay’s Scholars Programme goes beyond mere financial support. It aims to enrich the academic journey of students by integrating scholarships with innovative opportunities, skills development, and career pathways. For instance, at Obafemi Awolowo University, this partnership promises scholarship assistance for the next ten years.

Also read: OPay: We are not shutting down, over 7,000 staff still working in Nigeria

Professor Babajide Odu, Director of the University Research Office at OAU, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, stating, “OPay’s ₦1.2 billion commitment is much more than just financial aid; it represents a long-term investment in the futures of Nigerian students.” He noted the positive effects the partnership has had on students and emphasized OPay’s support for the university’s upcoming 2026 Academic and Research Excellence Awards, showcasing the company’s dedication to fostering academic achievement.

These educational initiatives are part of OPay’s larger mission to strengthen ties within the communities it serves. Building such connections has become increasingly vital, especially in an environment where trust is a pressing issue for digital financial services. Recent misinformation surrounding the company demonstrated how quickly unfounded claims can shake customer confidence and disrupt business operations.

Olalekan Disu, Financial Secretary of the Association of Licensed Mobile Payment Operators and an executive at eTranzact PLC, remarked that rumours about prominent digital payment companies jeopardize the overall confidence in the sector. “Trust is the bedrock of digital payments,” he stated.

Stanley Jacobs, President of FintechNGR and Group Chief Innovation & Technology Officer at Meristem, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the essential role accurate information plays in sustaining trust within Nigeria’s fintech landscape. Consequently, OPay’s response to the circulating rumours was not only about clarifying its standing but also about safeguarding the faith that so many individuals and businesses place in its platform.

Akinfolabi Rokosu, Chief Legal Counsel at OPay, shared that the company is actively engaging with relevant authorities, including the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force, regarding the matter of misinformation. He emphasized that OPay is pursuing legal action against those who intentionally spread false claims, while addressing that the company’s stance is not meant to stifle legitimate criticism. “This is not about silencing anyone. It is about accountability, customer protection, and upholding the rule of law,” Rokosu said.

OPay has also encouraged its customers to remain vigilant against suspicious communications, advising them to only trust verified information channels provided by the company about its services.

Ultimately, the town hall represented more than just a response to rumours; it was an opportunity for OPay to showcase the scale of its operations in Nigeria, with over 7,000 employees, more than 1 million merchant partnerships, and a growing customer base.

As the digital economy in Nigeria continues to evolve, OPay is committed not just to delivering financial services but also to investing in the technology, businesses, and people that form the backbone of this dynamic ecosystem. With these initiatives, OPay is not only aiming to enhance trust but also to contribute significantly to the educational landscape in Nigeria.

Read also: OPay threatens legal action against 3 social media users over false shutdown claims