By Peace Udugba
Lagos, Nigeria – May 15, 2026* – First Bank of Nigeria Limited has teamed up with Visa to launch the Naira Visa Debit Card, a move aimed at making digital payments more accessible for millions of Nigerians.
The new card is built for everyday use. It works for groceries, utility bills, online shopping, and other routine transactions both locally and internationally. Accepted on POS terminals, ATMs, and online platforms through Visa’s network, it’s designed to make the shift from cash to electronic payments smoother for customers across retail, utilities, and digital commerce.
The launch supports Nigeria’s broader push toward a cashless economy. That agenda has picked up pace after a series of Central Bank of Nigeria directives encouraging the adoption of electronic payment channels. FirstBank says the card is meant to serve customers across all income levels.
“Everyday transactions should be simple, secure, and rewarding,” said Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive for eBusiness & Retail Products at FirstBank. “The Naira Visa Debit Card is designed to make life easier for our customers. By extending reliable electronic payment access across Nigeria, we’re helping more people transition confidently from cash to digital payments, supporting the nation’s cashless policy and boosting financial inclusion.”
Andrew Uaboi, Visa’s Vice President and Cluster Head for West Africa, said the partnership strengthens the payments ecosystem. “A strong payments ecosystem is one that works for everyone. The Naira Visa Debit Card gives everyday Nigerian consumers reliable access to electronic payments, and together with the other cards in our portfolio, it shows what a comprehensive offering looks like for the Nigerian market.”
With this launch, FirstBank now offers a full range of Visa cards, from debit to credit and premium lifestyle cards. The Naira Visa Debit Card is available to all eligible FirstBank account holders at branches nationwide.
