By Seun Ibiyemi
First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced the launch of its Naira Visa Debit Card in partnership with Visa, in a move aimed at expanding access to secure, reliable, and seamless electronic payment services across Nigeria.
The new card is designed for everyday consumers, enabling transactions across Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), and online platforms globally through Visa’s payments network.
According to the bank, the initiative is intended to ease the transition from cash-based transactions to digital payments across retail, utility, and e-commerce channels.
The launch aligns with Nigeria’s broader push toward a cashless economy, a policy direction driven by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to deepen financial inclusion and encourage the adoption of electronic payment systems nationwide.
Speaking on the development, Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive, eBusiness & Retail Products at FirstBank, said the product was designed to simplify everyday financial transactions while promoting confidence in digital payments.
“Everyday transactions should be simple, secure, and rewarding. The Naira Visa Debit Card is designed to make life easier for our customers, whether they are paying for groceries, settling utility bills, or shopping online,” he said.
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“By extending reliable electronic payment access across Nigeria, we are helping more people transition confidently from cash to digital payments, supporting the nation’s cashless policy and empowering communities with greater financial inclusion.”
Also speaking, Andrew Uaboi, Vice President and Cluster Head, West Africa at Visa, described the partnership as a step toward strengthening Nigeria’s payments ecosystem and expanding access to secure financial tools for consumers.
“A strong payments ecosystem is one that works for everyone,” he said. “The Naira Visa Debit Card extends reliable electronic payment access to everyday Nigerian consumers, and this continues to demonstrate what a truly comprehensive card portfolio looks like for the Nigerian market. Visa is proud to power this offering with FirstBank.”
The bank noted that the new product complements its existing card portfolio, which includes credit cards and premium lifestyle offerings, thereby providing a full range of payment solutions across different customer segments.
The Naira Visa Debit Card is available to eligible FirstBank account holders nationwide through its branch network, further reinforcing efforts to deepen digital payment adoption and expand financial access across Nigeria.
