Indigenous card manufacturing firm CardForte has called for stronger institutional and policy backing for local manufacturers, emphasizing their critical role in strengthening Nigeria’s payments infrastructure and reducing dependence on foreign providers.
Speaking in a recent interview, Seun Lawal, the co-founder of CardForte, highlighted the strategic importance of building local capacity in card production and issuance.
He noted that CardForte was established five years ago to address significant gaps in access to reliable, high-quality card manufacturing services, particularly for fintechs, microfinance banks, and other emerging financial institutions.
According to Lawal, many smaller players in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem have historically been underserved, as global manufacturers tend to prioritize high-volume clients. This imbalance, he said, has contributed to over-reliance on foreign suppliers, resulting in capital flight and increased pressure on foreign exchange.
“CardForte was built on the conviction that Nigeria can develop and sustain world-class card manufacturing capabilities locally,” Lawal said. “Our focus has been on delivering speed, flexibility, and true partnership to institutions that require responsive and reliable service.”
Since its inception, CardForte has expanded beyond its core offering to contribute to broader industry development, including skills transfer, job creation, and infrastructure growth. The company positions itself as a key player in advancing local capacity and strengthening resilience within Nigeria’s financial services sector.
Lawal reaffirmed that CardForte is addressing a critical need in Nigeria’s rapidly evolving payments landscape, driven by the rise of fintechs and increased demand for secure, efficient, and locally supported card solutions.
Despite its progress, the company noted that operating in Nigeria presents ongoing challenges, including foreign exchange volatility, power supply constraints, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory uncertainties. Lawal emphasized that disciplined growth and operational adaptability have been essential to navigating these conditions.
He also underscored the broader economic benefits of supporting indigenous manufacturers, including reduced import dependence, improved service delivery timelines, enhanced data sovereignty, and the retention of value within the local economy.
To further strengthen the sector, Lawal advocated for targeted policy interventions, including the introduction of a Right of First Refusal framework for qualified local manufacturers.
He said such measures would help protect strategic capabilities and encourage sustained investment in domestic production.
The company also highlighted the need to address perception challenges facing local firms, noting that indigenous businesses often face higher scrutiny despite meeting global standards.
Looking ahead, CardForte is increasing its focus on sustainability and innovation. The company has introduced eco-friendly card solutions and recently achieved certification on the Verve network for sustainable card products, marking a milestone in environmentally responsible manufacturing.
As part of its growth strategy, CardForte is also exploring advanced product offerings, including local metal card manufacturing, aimed at expanding its capabilities and serving premium market segments.
Lawal stated that the company’s long-term vision extends beyond card production to include secure identity solutions, trusted access systems, and broader payment enablement infrastructure.
“Our goal is to remain commercially strong, operationally disciplined, and strategically relevant to Nigeria’s financial ecosystem,” he said.
