Mastercard and Interswitch have activated Google Pay in Nigeria, enabling eligible Mastercard cardholders to make contactless payments through Android smartphones. Users can now tap their devices on supported terminals, effectively replacing physical cards for routine purchases.
The implementation leverages Mastercard’s tokenisation system, which generates unique digital identifiers for each transaction instead of exposing raw card data. This approach strengthens security while streamlining the payment process.
Nigeria’s financial transaction volume continues to surge. The Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) reported that by 2026, the country processed over 11.2 billion transactions, with a combined value exceeding ₦1.07 quadrillion. The new service aligns with the nation’s accelerating shift toward cashless and mobile-based financial solutions.
Kari Tukur, Mastercard’s West Africa country manager, highlighted that the collaboration with Google merges user convenience with robust security. She emphasized the partnership’s role in broadening digital payment adoption across the region.
Olumide Balogun, Google’s West Africa country director, framed the initiative as a critical step toward faster transactions and reduced dependence on physical cards. He pointed to Nigeria’s position as a regional leader in financial innovation, stressing that local partnerships are essential for scaling digital payment infrastructure.
Interswitch contributed by establishing connections with Nigerian card issuers and providing the technical backbone for tokenisation and transaction processing. Akeem Lawal, managing director of Interswitch’s Payment, Switching and Processing division, noted that the company had already laid the groundwork to support mobile wallets and contactless payments nationwide.
However, the service remains restricted to cardholders whose issuers participate in the program and whose devices meet compatibility requirements. Consumers must confirm with their banks whether Google Pay integration is available for their specific cards before attempting to use the feature.
The launch reinforces Nigeria’s position as a dynamic market for financial technology. By combining Mastercard’s global payment network with Interswitch’s localized infrastructure, the partners are positioning contactless smartphone payments as a mainstream alternative within the country’s expanding digital economy.
Banks, payment processors, and technology firms continue to compete for dominance in Nigeria’s financial services sector. This initiative represents another milestone in the push to modernize payment systems, offering consumers greater flexibility while maintaining compliance with regulatory standards.
