United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has become the first bank in Nigeria to enable Google Pay for eligible Visa and Mastercard users, as the lender steps up efforts to expand digital payment options for its customers.
The development, which coincides with the launch of Google Pay in Nigeria on October 27, 2026, allows eligible UBA cardholders to make contactless payments at supported payment terminals using compatible devices.
The service enables customers to pay for in-store purchases with compatible phones without carrying physical payment cards, while supporting local and international transactions wherever Google Pay is accepted.
UBA said the integration reinforces its commitment to providing secure, convenient and innovative payment solutions as digital banking adoption continues to grow.
Commenting on the development, UBA’s Directorate Head of Cards, Orry Seem, said the introduction of Google Pay would make everyday transactions more convenient for customers.
“Our customers live busy lives, and the way they pay should make those lives easier. For many of them, the phone is the first thing they reach for, so it makes sense for it to become their wallet too,” she said.
Seem said UBA’s early integration with the platform reflected its commitment to enabling customers to transact locally and internationally through globally accepted payment technologies.
“Being the first bank in the country to be enabled on Google Pay reflects our commitment to enabling customers to transact locally and internationally, wherever Google Pay is accepted. At UBA, putting the customer first means bringing the best of global innovation home,” she added.
The bank said the new payment option complements its existing digital banking channels, including payment cards, its mobile banking application, internet banking and LEO, its artificial intelligence-powered virtual banking assistant.
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UBA said it would continue introducing new digital solutions to expand customer choice and improve the banking experience.
UBA’s Group Head of Brands, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, said the integration aligns with the bank’s ambition to lead the adoption of innovative digital payment solutions.
“Digital payment in Nigeria is growing fast, and customers expect more ways to pay. Making Google Pay available to our Visa and Mastercard cardholders gives them a simple, fast option for everyday purchases, backed by the security of their UBA cards,” Ladipo said.
She noted that adopting global payment platforms early would give customers more options while reinforcing the bank’s position in digital banking across its markets.
“We will continue to work with global technology and payment partners so that UBA customers are the first to enjoy new ways to bank and pay,” she added.
Google Pay allows eligible users to make contactless payments with compatible devices at supported payment terminals. Customers’ ability to use the service depends on device compatibility, card eligibility and merchant acceptance.
UBA is one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, serving retail, commercial and institutional customers across the continent and international markets.
The bank operates in 20 African countries and has a presence in the United Kingdom, the United States, France and the United Arab Emirates.
According to the bank, it has approximately 25,000 employees and serves more than 45 million customers globally.
The Google Pay integration adds to UBA’s range of technology-driven banking services as the lender seeks to improve payment convenience, promote financial inclusion and expand access to modern financial solutions.
