FirstBank, Visa activate Naira Visa Debit Card to accelerate cashless payments

*First Bank of Nigeria Limited affirms the activation of its Naira Visa Debit Card brings electronic payments within reach of millions of Nigerian consumers of financial products and services in line with the West African country’s drive towards cashless economy

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

First Bank of Nigeria Limited has launched its Naira Visa Debit Card, in partnership with Visa to extend accessible, reliable electronic payment capabilities to a broader segment of the Nigerian population.

The leading financial institution disclosed card is targeted at everyday consumers of financial products and services, who require a dependable payment instrument for routine domestic and international transactions. Accepted across Point of Sales (PoS) terminals, Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs), and online platforms through Visa’s payments network.

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FirstBank also said the Naira Visa Debit Card is designed to reduce friction for customers transitioning from cash to electronic payments across retail, utilities, and digital commerce in the country.

The bank, in a statement Friday, May 15, 2026, said the launch of the product aligned with Nigeria’s ongoing drive towards a cashless economy, a policy direction that has gained significant momentum following successive Central Bank of Nigeria directives encouraging the adoption of electronic payment channels.

The card, FitstBank stated, is intended to serve customers across the country’s diverse economic segments.

Commenting on the launch, Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive, eBusiness and Retail Products at FirstBank, said: “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.”

Ezirim stated: “By extending reliable electronic payment access across Nigeria, we are helping more people to transition confidently from cash to digital payments, supporting the nation’s cashless policy and empowering communities with greater financial inclusion.”

As regards the strategic importance of the partnership, Andrew Uaboi, Vice-President and Cluster Head, West Africa, Visa, also noted: “A strong payments ecosystem is one that works for everyone.

“The Naira Visa Debit Card extends reliable electronic payment access to everyday Nigerian consumers, and this in addition to the cards in our portfolio 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 further said the launch of the Naira Visa Debit Card had broadened Visa card portfolio at FirstBank that already includes products spanning credit cards and High-end premium lifestyle spending cards.

FirstBank affirmed the latest addition completes its offering across customer segments while ensuring that cardholders at every income level have access to products suited to their needs.

The Naira Visa Debit Card is available to all eligible FirstBank account holders through any of the bank’s branches nationwide, the financial institution stated.

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