FirstBank unveils Naira Visa Debit Card to deepen cashless payments, financial inclusion

First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced the launch of its Naira Visa Debit Card in partnership with Visa Inc., expanding access to secure and reliable electronic payment solutions for everyday consumers across Nigeria.

The newly introduced card is designed for customers who require a dependable payment instrument for routine domestic and international transactions.

Accepted across Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals, ATMs, and online platforms through Visa’s global payments network, the Naira Visa Debit Card aims to ease the transition from cash-based transactions to electronic payments.

According to the bank, the product is tailored to support payments across retail outlets, utility services, and digital commerce platforms, reducing transaction friction for customers while enhancing convenience and security.

The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s push toward a cashless economy — a policy direction that has gathered momentum in recent years following regulatory measures and directives by the Central Bank of Nigeria encouraging the adoption of electronic payment channels.

Speaking at the launch, Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive, eBusiness & Retail Products at FirstBank, said the card was developed to simplify everyday transactions and broaden access to digital finance.

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

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Also commenting on the partnership, Andrew Uaboi, Vice President and Cluster Head, West Africa at Visa, described the launch as a significant addition to the payments ecosystem.

“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,” Uaboi stated.

The introduction of the Naira Visa Debit Card further broadens the Visa card portfolio available at FirstBank, which already includes credit cards and premium lifestyle spending cards. With this addition, the bank says it now offers card solutions tailored to customers across different income levels and spending needs.