FirstBank, Visa Deepen Digital Payment Push with Launch of Naira Debit Card and Premium Visa Signature
First Bank of Nigeria Limited has expanded its partnership with Visa through the launch of two new card products aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s digital payment ecosystem and meeting the evolving needs of both everyday consumers and affluent customers.
The newly introduced products — the Naira Visa Debit Card and Visa Signature card — were unveiled in Lagos as part of efforts to drive financial inclusion, promote cashless transactions, and enhance premium banking experiences for customers across Nigeria.
The Naira Visa Debit Card is designed to provide millions of Nigerians with affordable and reliable access to electronic payment services for daily transactions. Accepted across Point of Sale (POS) terminals, ATMs, and online platforms through Visa’s global payment network, the card is expected to simplify payments for groceries, utility bills, retail purchases, and digital commerce.
The launch comes amid Nigeria’s sustained push toward a cashless economy, championed by the Central Bank of Nigeria through policies encouraging the adoption of digital payment channels nationwide.
Speaking on the development, Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive, eBusiness & Retail Products at FirstBank, said the bank remains committed to making everyday transactions easier, safer, and more rewarding for customers.
According to him, the Naira Visa Debit Card was created to help Nigerians transition confidently from cash-based transactions to digital payments while supporting broader financial inclusion objectives.
Visa’s Vice President and Cluster Head for West Africa, Andrew Uaboi, described the partnership as a strategic move toward building a more inclusive payments ecosystem that serves all categories of consumers in Nigeria.
In a separate development, FirstBank and Visa also launched Visa Signature, a premium card tailored for Nigeria’s affluent segment, including executives, entrepreneurs, and frequent international travelers.
The Visa Signature card offers access to global lifestyle privileges, travel benefits, exclusive merchant discounts, and premium experiences through Visa’s international network of partner hotels, airlines, and retail brands. The card supports both domestic and international transactions, allowing users seamless payment experiences across multiple countries.
Ezirim noted that the product reflects FirstBank’s ambition to provide premium customers with world-class financial solutions that align with their global lifestyles and expectations.
Andrew Uaboi added that Nigeria’s affluent consumers remain among the continent’s most globally connected spenders, making Visa Signature a timely addition to the Nigerian market.
The launch of both card products further strengthens FirstBank’s existing Visa portfolio, which already includes Visa Infinite, Visa Gold, Naira Credit, and Visa Prepaid cards. While the Naira Visa Debit Card focuses on expanding everyday digital payment access, Visa Signature targets high-net-worth customers seeking enhanced global privileges and exclusive experiences.
Both cards are now available to eligible FirstBank customers through branches nationwide.
