UBA Pioneers Google Pay Integration for Visa, Mastercard Users in Nigeria

United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has taken another step in digital banking innovation, becoming the first bank in Nigeria to enable Google Pay for eligible Visa and Mastercard users.

The development provides eligible customers with another convenient way to pay for goods and services using compatible devices, without necessarily carrying their physical bank cards.

Google Pay launched in Nigeria on Tuesday, October 27, 2026. The digital payment service allows users with eligible cards and compatible devices to make contactless payments at supported terminals, with local and international transactions available where the service is accepted.

Speaking on the development, UBA’s Directorate Head of Cards, Orry Seem, said the integration was designed to make everyday payments more convenient for customers.

“Our customers live busy lives, and the way they pay should make those lives easier. For many of them, the phone is the first thing they reach for, so it makes sense for it to become their wallet too,” she said.

Seem explained that the bank’s early adoption of the payment service reflects its commitment to providing customers with access to modern payment technologies.

“Being the first bank in the country to be enabled on Google Pay reflects our commitment to enabling customers to transact locally and internationally, wherever Google Pay is accepted. At UBA, putting the customer first means bringing the best of global innovation home,” she added.

The Google Pay integration builds on UBA’s existing digital banking services, which include payment cards, its mobile banking application, internet banking and LEO, the bank’s artificial intelligence-powered virtual banking assistant.

UBA’s Group Head of Brands, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, said the introduction of the service reflects the bank’s broader strategy to expand digital payment options and respond to changing customer expectations.

“Digital payment in Nigeria is growing fast, and customers expect more ways to pay. Making Google Pay available to our Visa and Mastercard cardholders gives them a simple, fast option for everyday purchases, backed by the security of their UBA cards,” Ladipo said.

She noted that adopting global payment technologies early gives customers greater flexibility while reinforcing the bank’s position in the digital banking sector.

“We will continue to work with global technology and payment partners so that UBA customers are the first to enjoy new ways to bank and pay,” she added.

The latest development underscores UBA’s continued investment in digital banking and its efforts to provide customers across its markets with more accessible and convenient payment solutions.