Google Pay Launches in Nigeria via FirstBank, GTBank, UBA

Google Pay has officially entered Nigeria, with FirstBank Nigeria Limited, Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), and United Bank for Africa (UBA) integrating the service for eligible customers. This move expands payment options for millions of Nigerians and intensifies competition in the digital payments sector, particularly against Paystack and Flutterwave.

Customers can link their bank cards to Google Wallet, enabling secure contactless payments and online transactions without repeatedly entering card details. FirstBank's Group Head of e-Business and Retail Products, Abednego Ugwueke, stated that this integration aligns with the bank's commitment to enhancing digital banking services.

UBA has also activated Google Pay for eligible Visa and Mastercard cardholders, allowing transactions without physical cards. UBA's Directorate Head of Cards, Orry Seem, noted that this initiative reflects changing consumer behavior towards smartphone reliance for financial transactions.

GTBank has extended Google Pay integration across its services, allowing customers to use eligible debit cards for various online purchases.