OPay has reaffirmed its commitment to the Nigerian market, saying it remains fully operational and focused on expanding financial inclusion through technology.
The fintech company made the declaration at its Live Town Hall held in Lagos on September 2, which brought together OPay’s leadership, industry stakeholders, media representatives and partners.
The event was organised to address recent rumours suggesting that OPay would cease operations in Nigeria from September 1 and go on indefinite leave.
Rather than simply dismissing the claims, the company used the town hall to provide clarity on its operations and reaffirm its presence in the Nigerian market.
Dotun Adekunle, OPay’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer, highlighted the scale of the company’s operations, declaring, “OPay is here, OPay is operating, and OPay is going nowhere.”
He said OPay currently has more than 7,000 employees in Nigeria and a network of over one million merchants, through which it provides services to millions of customers.
The figures, according to the company, demonstrate the scale of its operations and continued role in Nigeria’s growing fintech sector.
From payments app to financial network
OPay has grown into a major player in Nigeria’s digital financial services sector, providing services including money transfers, bill payments, card services, airtime and data purchases.
As its digital services have expanded, the company has also invested in strengthening its physical presence across the country.
In 2026 alone, OPay unveiled more than 26 new support offices across Nigeria, providing customers and merchants with access to assistance beyond its digital platforms.
The initiative is particularly relevant in a market where millions of Nigerians use digital financial services while still valuing face-to-face support when dealing with payment, account or transaction-related issues.
OPay has also built a merchant network of more than one million users, making its platform an important part of the daily payment ecosystem for businesses across the country.
For many small businesses, digital payments have evolved beyond simply serving as an alternative to cash and have become an important tool for managing and receiving financial transactions.
OPay said it remains focused on making such transactions simpler and more accessible while using technology to empower consumers and businesses.
OPay commits ₦1.2bn to scholarships
Education was another major area highlighted at the town hall, with OPay announcing a ₦1.2 billion commitment over the next decade to support scholarships for students pursuing higher education across Nigeria.
The initiative has already benefited students at institutions including the University of Ibadan, Ahmadu Bello University, Obafemi Awolowo University and Lagos State University.
The OPay Scholars Programme is designed to go beyond financial assistance by combining scholarships with innovative opportunities, skills development and career pathways.
At Obafemi Awolowo University, for instance, the partnership provides scholarship support for the next 10 years.
Professor Babajide Odu, Director of the University Research Office at OAU, described the initiative as a significant long-term investment in Nigerian students.
“OPay’s ₦1.2 billion commitment is much more than just financial aid; it represents a long-term investment in the futures of Nigerian students,” he said.
He also highlighted the positive impact of the partnership on students and OPay’s support for the university’s upcoming 2026 Academic and Research Excellence Awards.
Stakeholders stress importance of trust
OPay’s educational initiatives form part of its broader efforts to strengthen its relationship with the communities it serves, particularly at a time when trust remains critical to the digital financial services sector.
The recent misinformation surrounding the company demonstrated how quickly unverified claims can affect customer confidence and disrupt business operations.
Olalekan Disu, Financial Secretary of the Association of Licensed Mobile Payment Operators and an executive at eTranzact PLC, said rumours concerning major digital payment companies could undermine confidence across the wider sector.
“Trust is the bedrock of digital payments,” he said.
Stanley Jacobs, President of FintechNGR and Group Chief Innovation & Technology Officer at Meristem, similarly stressed the importance of accurate information in maintaining trust within Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem.
OPay’s response to the rumours, therefore, was aimed not only at clarifying its operational status but also at protecting the confidence customers and businesses place in its platform.
Akinfolabi Rokosu, Chief Legal Counsel at OPay, said the company was engaging relevant authorities, including the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force, over the misinformation.
He said OPay was pursuing legal action against individuals who intentionally spread false claims, while stressing that the company’s position was not intended to prevent legitimate criticism.
“This is not about silencing anyone. It is about accountability, customer protection, and upholding the rule of law,” Rokosu said.
OPay also urged customers to remain vigilant against suspicious communications and rely only on the company’s verified information channels for updates about its services.
The town hall ultimately provided OPay with an opportunity to highlight the scale of its operations in Nigeria, including its workforce of more than 7,000 employees, over one million merchants and growing customer base.
As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to evolve, OPay said it remains focused not only on providing financial services but also on investing in technology, businesses and people that contribute to the country’s digital ecosystem.
Through its investments in financial inclusion and education, the company said it aims to strengthen trust while contributing to Nigeria’s broader economic and educational development.
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