In a move to revolutionise the country’s financial landscape, the Fintech Association of Nigeria (FintechNGR ) says it will be championing a robust expansion of financial services.
Its President, Mr Stanley Jacob, made the assertion during a news conference held on Wednesday in Lagos to announce the association’s upcoming 2025 Fintech Week.
Jacob said that it would robustly expand financial services through its vast agent banking networks.
FinTech Association of Nigeria known as FintechNGR is a Nigeria-based self-regulatory, nonprofit and non-partisan organisation focused on accelerating the growth of financial technology.
It also focuses on facilitating investments and creating enabling financial technological environment for innovation in Nigeria.
This growing network includes financial institutions, technology companies, service providers, and regulators working together to promote a thriving fintech ecosystem.
“FintechNGR aims at expanding financial services through its vast agent banking networks. It will be able to achieve this through its “PIE Agenda”.
“PIE means Participation, Innovation, and Expansion.
“It also aims at extending the reach of digital finance to every Nigerian, regardless of their location,” the FintechNGR boss said.
He emphasised the critical role of participation in the fintech and tech ecosystem, particularly for younger individuals and diverse sectors.
Jacob highlighted the need for platforms that empowered young founders and new startups, including fintechs from all regions of Nigeria, to commercialise their innovations and develop new products.
According to him, this will foster robust innovation.
“The third pillar in our PIE Agenda – Expansion – seeks to ensure that FintechNGR’s presence transcends major urban centres such as Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. It intends to reach into every corner of Nigeria and extend to the Diaspora.
“This ambitious outreach has already seen the association’s membership grow to over 600,” Jacob said.
Speaking on the 2025 Fintech Week, the Vice President of FintechNGR, Dr Jameelah Sharrief-Ayedun, stressed that the annual event would visually demonstrate the PIE Agenda.
Sharrief-Ayedun said that the week would showcase the harmony between the different fintech players in the industry.
“A pioneering aspect of the 2025 event is its simultaneous staging in multiple cities beyond Lagos, including Abuja, the South-East and the South-South,” she said.
Sharrief-Ayedun explained that the multi-location approach would broaden the reach and accessibility of the fintech association, by fostering innovation and spotlighting thought leaders.
She noted that it would also democratise knowledge by providing a platform for technology adopters across various industries such as hospitality, religion and aviation.
The vice-president stressed the importance of hearing from those actively utilising the technologies, not just the developers.
Also, Uche Uzoebo, the Chief Executive Officer, Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF) Ltd., highlighted the pivotal role of the agent network in achieving widespread financial inclusion.
“With more than two million agents nationwide, many of whom are Fintechs, our agents are instrumental to delivering banking and financial services to communities, especially in remote areas.
“This expansion of the Nigerian FinTech Week to new locations will enable these agents to participate, share their experiences and gain a broader understanding of the industry, thereby fostering growth for their small and medium-sized enterprises.
“The agenda for the 2025 event is meticulously designed to spark grand conversations and ensure diverse action within the fintech ecosystem.
“It moves beyond conventional topics, such as compliance and regulation to entertainment, fashion, gaming, and practical applications of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare, agriculture, and transportation,” she said.
Uzoebo said that the inclusive approach also targeted the Gen Zs, providing them a platform for expression and future planning.
