FirstBank, Guaranty Trust Bank and United Bank for Africa have launched Google Pay for eligible customers, expanding the range of digital payment methods available in Nigeria following the global digital wallet service's arrival in the country. The integration allows eligible cardholders to add their cards to Google Wallet and make secure digital payments using compatible devices at supported payment terminals and online checkout platforms, both within Nigeria and internationally.
FirstBank said the integration would enable eligible cardholders to make convenient contactless payments while benefiting from Google Pay's security features and faster checkout experience. Abednego Ugwueke, Group Head of e-Business and Retail Products at FirstBank, said the bank was constantly evolving its digital capabilities to deliver banking experiences aligned with customer lifestyles. He added that the integration would provide cardholders with a seamless and globally accepted payment solution that enables them to make purchases with confidence wherever Google Pay is accepted.
UBA has enabled Google Pay for eligible Visa and Mastercard users, allowing customers to make contactless payments without carrying physical cards. Orry Seem, UBA's Directorate Head for Cards, said the phone had become customers' first resort, making it logical for it to function as their wallet too. The bank's Group Head of Brands, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, noted that digital payment in Nigeria is growing fast and customers expect more payment options, describing Google Pay as a simple, fast option for everyday purchases backed by the security of UBA cards.
GTCO, the parent company of GTBank, has integrated Google Pay across two subsidiaries, extending the service to both customers and businesses. GTBank customers can add their debit cards to Google Wallet and use Google Pay for online transactions, including subscriptions, travel bookings, food delivery and bill payments. Through HabariPay's Squad payment gateway, businesses can also accept Google Pay at checkout. GTCO Group Chief Executive Officer Segun Agbaje said the Group was addressing challenges that cause customers to abandon online purchases, noting that most failed online payments are abandoned rather than refused. He added that the Group ensured it was ready on both sides from day one, with GTBank customers able to pay using Google Pay and businesses on Squad able to accept it.
HabariPay Managing Director Eduofon Japhet said the integration would simplify checkout for merchants, with Squad businesses able to access Google Pay inside their existing checkout, allowing customers to pay in a few taps with a previously saved card. Japhet added that merchants enabled for international payments could receive Google Pay transactions from customers worldwide without requiring additional integration.