Central to this dialogue was DeRemi Atanda, managing director of Remita Payment Services Limited, who delivered strong interventions on how interoperability, fintech collaboration and digital infrastructure will determine Africa’s economic trajectory.

Held recently at the Lagos Continental Hotel, the conference convened central bankers, commercial bankers, fintech leaders, regulators and policymakers to examine the theme “Connecting Payments. Accelerating Africa’s Trade.”

The event was hosted by the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System under the guidance of Afreximbank, the African Union and the AfCFTA Secretariat

Throughout the conference, the message was consistent: Africa is deliberately designing a payments ecosystem rooted in its realities, ambitions and economic future.

With PAPSS, the AfCFTA gains the operational backbone it needs to convert trade policy into executable commerce and commerce into continental prosperity.

In his keynote, PAPSS Chief Executive Officer, Mike Ogbalu III, traced today’s payment challenges to historical fragmentation and currency silos that continue to hinder Africa’s ability to trade with itself.

He stressed that PAPSS is being built as a shared infrastructure that preserves competition while enabling collective value creation.

“PAPSS is an ecosystem built on centralised value in a way that does not diminish the competitive advantage of any participant. It is a vision that began decades ago and is now finally operational,” he said.

Mr Atanda contributed practical industry insight across two high-level panel sessions focused on interoperability, real-time settlement, and fintech-enabled trade.

On the first panel, themed “The Role of Switches in Enabling Interoperability and Real-Time Settlement,” he spoke alongside leading payments ecosystem stakeholders from eTranzact, GHIPSS, NIBSS, ZECHL, and PAPSS.

Mr Atanda emphasised that payments are the invisible arteries of Africa’s economy, noting that “Africa must first be connected through payments – that is the true starting point.”

He further described PAPSS as the practical executor of Africa’s long-standing integration ambition, stating that “PAPSS has moved the vision from concept to execution, enabling payments not just within countries, but seamlessly across borders.”

Mr. Atanda stressed that switching infrastructure should be viewed as an enabler rather than an end in itself.

“Switching is not what the man on the street interacts with; it is simply the engine behind the system. What truly matters is what consumers are able to do,” he noted.

He further highlighted fintech companies as increasingly central to Africa’s commercial activity, underscoring the growing importance of deep integration between banks and fintech operators.

“One of the most significant developments is the interface with the fintech ecosystem, because fintechs are rapidly becoming key drivers of trade across Africa,” he explained

On the second panel themed “Moving Money, Moving Goods under AfCFTA – Fintech’s Role,” Mr Atanda returned to the stage alongside leaders from Interstellar, Yellow Card, Conduit Technology, Brij Technologies and Ibex Frontier.

The discussion centred on financial inclusion, usability, and the role of digital payments in unlocking commerce at scale across Africa.

He highlighted the real-world impact of aggregation and interoperability on everyday users, noting how seamless payment experiences are reshaping cross-border transactions.

“Irrespective of where you bank locally, you should be able to make cross-border payments using one number. The middle layer is disappearing. From your mobile wallet, phone, or bank account, you can transact directly,” he said.

According to Mr Atanda, Africa has moved beyond merely addressing fragmentation in payments infrastructure.

“We have gone past fixing fragmentation. Now the focus is on creating new opportunities and new use cases,” he added.

“You do not have to be everywhere on your own.  When you operate within a shared ecosystem built on common standards, collaboration becomes scale,” he remarked.

In closing, he described PAPSS as a consumer-centred system that decentralises access.

“PAPSS is putting power directly in the hands of people, through multiple touchpoints that make cross-border transactions easier and more inclusive,” he said.

Mr Atanda’s participation positioned Remita Payment Services Limited as both a Nigerian fintech leader and a continental infrastructure contributor.

His contributions underscored that Africa’s trade aspirations will only be realised if payments, policy and platforms evolve together.

The post ‘DeRemi Atanda: Africa Must Define its Payment Future appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

With characteristic clarity and insight, Mr. Atanda challenged the audience to confront both the promises and pitfalls of digital technology as it continues to reshape industries and livelihoods.

In a gathering that ignited minds and stirred ambitions, NESA Economic Discourse 8.0 brought together the brightest students of the University of Lagos Department of Economics, lecturers, academic leaders, and digital innovators.

United by purpose and driven by curiosity, participants explored the evolving contours of Nigeria’s economic future in an era defined by rapid digital transformation.

Speaking on the theme “Digitalisation Paradox: The Double-Edged Sword for Economic Growth,” Mr. ‘Deremi Atanda described digitalisation as far more than a shift from manual to digital.

He defined it as a transformation in how value is created – enhancing processes to unlock exponential economic growth.

He charged students to view digitalalisation as more than just an upgrade, but as powerful levers to transform systems, improve services, and create new economic value for national development.

Mr. Atanda highlighted the dual nature of digital advancement and likened it to a double-edged sword.

He explained that just as a knife can cut in both directions, “digitalisation carries both opportunities and risks. It powers productivity, unlocks new industries, and enhances service delivery, while also displacing jobs, disrupting markets, and deepening inequality.”

Highlighting Africa’s immense potential, he cited projections that the continent’s digital economy could surpass $700 billion by 2050.

He also referenced tangible shifts in everyday life – such as banks offering 24/7 services, digital stamp duties replacing physical counterparts, ride-hailing platforms outpacing traditional taxis, and mobile-powered ecosystems supplanting legacy telephone and transaction infrastructures.

These, he noted, are compelling illustrations of the far-reaching disruption enabled by digital innovation.

However, Mr. Atanda was equally candid about the more troubling dimensions of this digital transformation.

He cautioned that “digitalisation brings real threats such as cybercrime, privacy invasion, digital addiction, and systemic exclusion arising from unequal access.”

He also raised concerns about the ethical implications of pervasive data collection and the increasing capacity to predict and influence user behaviour.

To navigate this complex landscape, Mr. Atanda urged stakeholders, especially students and young professionals, to adopt proactive strategies by cultivating a problem-solving mindset, mastering future-ready skills in design, data, and code, building resilience, initiating digital projects, engaging with tech communities, and advocating for broader digital inclusion.

He added, “For digitisation to truly thrive, it must be one that truly transforms systems, improves productivity, and drives a change of mindset.”

Mr. Atanda also emphasised that even the negative aspects of digitalisation present unique opportunities and cited the emergence of careers in cybersecurity and ethical technology development as examples of how emerging problems can spur new professional pathways.

He underscored that innovation and disruption must be guided by a strong ethical compass.

He closed with a rallying call for personal responsibility, urging individuals to make deliberate and positive choices in their engagement with digital technology.

As he put it, “The next leap for the global digital economy may well emerge from your laptops. One simply cannot afford to be disengaged from these developments.”

Mr. Atanda’s participation was a clear expression of his firm belief in the transformative potential of Nigeria’s youth. It reflects a broader vision – one where the next generation is not only equipped with knowledge but empowered to build and lead within a digital-first economy.

His message was both a challenge and a call to action: for students to embrace technology not as spectators, but as architects of innovation and economic renewal.

As the nation navigates the complexities of growth in a digital age, companies like Remita continue to support platforms such as NESA in playing a critical role – shaping perspectives, fostering meaningful dialogue, and bridging the gap between academic insight and real-world economic impact.

The post Digitalisation Key for Nigeria’s Economic Advancement, Says ‘DeRemi Atanda  appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

This appointment recognizes Mr. Atanda’s exceptional leadership, visionary approach, and steadfast contributions to the financial services industry and FintechNGR’s initiatives.

A transformative leader, Mr. Atanda consistently drives strategies that blend financial innovation with impactful solutions for sustainable economic growth.

In this new role, Mr. Atanda will lead the Forum in driving initiatives that foster collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth within Nigeria’s fintech sector.

The Governing Council expressed confidence in his ability to deliver immense value to the Institute, its members, and the broader financial services ecosystem.

Following Mr. Atanda’s appointment, Dr. Babatunde Obrimah, COO, FintechNGR says he is optimistic about the direction of the forum under Mr. Atanda’s leadership:

“Mr. ‘DeRemi Atanda’s appointment as Chairman of the Fintech CEOs and Fintech Founders Forum Committee is a testament to his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to advancing Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem. His experience and dedication will undoubtedly drive impactful collaboration and innovation within our community.”   

As the Chair of the Fintech CEOs and Founders Forum Coordination Committee, Mr. Atanda will work closely with industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and innovators to champion policies and programs that enable growth, while enhancing the global competitiveness of Nigeria’s fintech industry.

Mr. Atanda remarked on his recent appointment stating:

“It is an honour to serve as the Chair of the Fintech CEOs and Founders Forum Coordination Committee. We stand at a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem, characterized by unprecedented potential for transformative innovation. I am committed to engaging with my distinguished colleagues and stakeholders to explore new avenues for growth, catalyze innovation, and amplify our collective influence on the economy. Together, we can harness the power of technology to drive meaningful change and elevate our industry on a global scale.”

Recall that Mr. Atanda was officially inaugurated as a member of the Fintech Association of Nigeria (FintechNGR) Governing Council, alongside other distinguished elected council members during a two-day event of the Nigeria Fintech Week 2024 in October.

With a distinguished career of nearly three decades, Mr. Atanda has played a pivotal role in advancing financial inclusion, fostering innovation, and promoting excellence within the technology-driven financial services sector. His significant leadership at Remita has established the brand as a leading payment company.

This appointment reaffirms FintechNGR’s commitment to leadership excellence and collaboration in driving the continued growth of Nigeria’s fintech industry.

The post ‘DeRemi Atanda Gets New Appointment at FintechNGR appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

In the address, he spotlighted the transformative potential of Nigeria’s National Payment System Vision (NPSV).

With deep industry insight, he highlighted the remarkable milestones of the two iterations of the vision (PSV 2020 and PSV 2025) and addressed critical challenges confronting its implementation.

His address left an indelible impression, inspiring stakeholders to reimagine the future of payments in Africa.

During the keynote, Mr. Atanda called for a renewed focus on collaboration, legislative support, and the standardization of payment infrastructure to unlock economic opportunities.

He stated Nigeria’s Payment System Vision, as articulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria:

“To facilitate economic activities by providing safe and efficient mechanisms for making and receiving payments with minimum risks to the central bank, payment service providers and end users, extending the availability and usage to all sectors and geographies, banked and unbanked, and conforming to internationally accepted regulatory, technical and operational standards”.

He also noted:

“The National Payment System Vision is not just a document; it is a call to action, a shared goal for facilitating economic activities through safe and efficient payment mechanisms. If we cannot domesticate this vision within our businesses, we leave critical gaps.”

Highlighting the remarkable progress since the inception of the National Payment System Vision 2025 in 2020, Mr. Deremi Atanda emphasized key achievements in Nigeria’s digital payments ecosystem under NPSV 2025.

These include the significant growth in active bank accounts from 114.8 million in 2020 to 231.1 million by 2024, representing a 101% growth, the 365% growth in real-time payment volumes from 2 billion in 2020 to 9.3 billion by 2023, and the expansion of POS transaction volumes by 110%, from 655 million in 2020 to 1.4 billion by 2023.

Additionally, Mr. Atanda highlighted that the Nigerian fintech sector attracted over $2 billion in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and has birthed four fintech unicorns between 2020 and 2025.

These achievements, he noted, signify not just progress but the immense potential of a strategically aligned payments ecosystem.

However, Mr. Atanda emphasized that sustaining and expanding this momentum requires a concerted focus on global standards.

“Payments are a critical pillar of the global financial market infrastructure, governed by 24 principles spanning nine dimensions. Without a deep understanding and alignment with these principles, we risk isolation from the global payment ecosystem. Building locally with a global outlook isn’t just a strategy; it’s a necessity for relevance and resilience,” he asserted.

Mr. Atanda also urged for greater cooperation within the payment ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of foundational infrastructure.

“We are often trapped in competition when we should be cooperating to build the foundational infrastructure. The opportunities at the top are immense, but the real work lies beneath, in building the standards, technology, and systems that enable growth,” he said.

Reflecting on the legislative challenges, Mr. Atanda noted the prolonged delay in passing the Payment System Management Bill, which he identified as critical to realizing the full potential of the NPSV.

He observed:

“The Payment System Management Bill has been in the National Assembly for over a decade. Without its passage, much of what we aspire to achieve will remain suboptimal. This calls for urgent, collaborative advocacy among stakeholders.”

Speaking on the future of Nigeria’s payment ecosystem, Mr. Atanda laid out some goals all stakeholders should explore for the actualization of NPSV 2030, emphasizing ambitious financial inclusion targets and transformative policies to enhance cross-border payment systems.

He stated,

“By 2030, we must achieve 90% financial inclusion. Economic inclusion fuels financial inclusion and vice versa. Establishing clear standards and driving cross-border payments will position Nigeria as a global leader in the payment ecosystem.”

Mr. Atanda underscored the critical role of stakeholder awareness in realizing this vision, highlighting the importance of aligning all players in the industry with a shared understanding of their roles.

Reflecting on the early days of Nigeria’s payments industry, he noted the significant strides made in building awareness and traction but cautioned against repeating past missteps where insufficient advocacy, awareness and limited policy and legislative reforms hindered progress.

He called for a renewed focus on revisiting outdated laws and strengthening legislative advocacy to create an enabling environment for sustainable growth.

“To shape the future of payments in Nigeria, we must champion robust legislative reforms and advocacy to address emerging challenges and position the industry as a model for innovation and inclusion,” he said.

He concluded with a rallying call for active stakeholder participation: “Everyone in this room is a stakeholder in the National Payment System Vision.

From policy formulation to infrastructure development, collaboration is the big factor that will drive progress. There is no room for idle spectators.”

Following Mr. Atanda’s presentation, a panel session comprising industry experts, including Paul MosiMabale, Director, Upperlink Technologies; Ashley Immanuel, Chief Executive Officer, Semicolon; Adedeji Olowe, Founder, Lendsqr Inc.; Solape Hammond, Co-Founder, Impact Hub Lagos; and Destiny Agbanimu, Head of Growth, Autogon AI, convened to examine the topic: Digital Payment and the National Digital Economy Framework. The session was moderated by Tunde Kuponiyi, Chief Executive Officer, SmartCash Payment Service Bank, and provided deeper insights into the interplay between digital payments and the evolving digital economy framework in Nigeria.

The CeBIH 2024 Annual Conference provided a vital platform to discuss the evolving dynamics of payment systems and their role in fostering economic growth.

Mr. Atanda’s address reinforced the critical need for collective action to actualize the vision of a robust, inclusive, and globally integrated payment system for Nigeria.

The post Legislative Reforms Critical to Advancing Nigeria’s Digital Economy – ‘DeRemi Atanda appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

He made this assertion when officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria appeared before the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee today, March 28th, to respond to queries about Remita’s operation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) platform.

The hearing was presided over by Bamidele Salaam, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts.

Salaam had said,

“The investigation is not a witch-hunt targeting any company but rather a crucial step towards transparency and ensuring accountability for the federation’s revenue.”

According to Abdullahi “The CBN was directed to provide an electronic platform that would facilitate payments on behalf of MDAs to beneficiaries accounts in the commercial banks.”

“CBN deemed it fit to source for an alternative way of doing this and engaged two companies and out of the two, Remita, was selected based on merit and based on the fact they had been rendering similar services to commercial banks.”

In a previous report, Salawu Zubairu who was director of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) had said that Remita was chosen as the preferred platform to manage the TSA after a rigorous evaluation process that included other candidates like the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS).

The selection, steered by a joint evaluation committee’s competitive presentations and deliberations, was based on Remita’s superior capabilities in handling TSA’s electronic payments and collection of government receipts, satisfying all the stringent requirements of the Office of the OAGF, the CBN, and their external consultants.

Mr. ‘Deremi Atanda, the managing director of Remita Payment Services Limited, also highlighted the previous system’s shortcomings, where government agencies independently received funds and arbitrarily decided the timing and amount of operating surplus to remit, a practice that has been streamlined by the TSA.

“There has been an evolution and it has been positive for the country on account of TSA. Some things that started manually have now become automated. What MDAs were doing was that they were receiving inflows and at their instance determine what is operating surplus when to they remit,” he said.

Mr Atanda said the TSA initiative is designed to create a single window through which all inflows and outflows of government can be monitored in real-time for transparency and accountability and especially for the effective management of the government’s cash assets.

It is pertinent to note that the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr. Dasuki Arabi, in the past reported that the TSA has been instrumental in uncovering and removing approximately 70,000 non-existent employees from the civil service payroll. The government has realized savings of at least N220 billion through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS)

Mr Atanda further explained how the government can track and account for every single transaction through a unique Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) code assigned to each revenue inflow.

“It allows the government to identify the receiving MDA, the destination account, the date and time of the transaction, the purpose of the payment, and the name of the payer. The RRR has become the ultimate reconciliation reference point for all payers, banks, and MDAs involved in government revenue collection.”

The TSA was lauded by the last administration for being instrumental in Nigeria’s financial reform, enhancing governance and supporting the anti-corruption drive. T

he former Minister of Information and Culture praised the TSA for preventing fiscal crisis, stating that it “saved Nigeria from collapse.” Through effective resource management and transparency, the TSA has helped eliminate ghost workers and reduce financial discrepancies. Its preservation is vital for Nigeria’s continued economic progress and integrity.

As Nigeria continues its march towards economic stability, some government forex revenue collections still occur outside the TSA framework.

Mr. Atanda highlighted the importance of adhering to the TSA’s original intent of consolidating all government inflows and outflows, regardless of currency. This is vital to prevent the diversion of the federal government’s foreign exchange revenues into the hands of unscrupulous entities.

“At a time when the Nigerian Government is seeking ways to generate Forex and prevent the devaluation of the Naira amid increased demand for the US Dollar, allowing such diversions is inadvisable,” he stated.

The post CBN says Remita Selected Based on Merit appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

“We are delighted to announce that the 2024 SystemSpecs Children’s Day Essay Competition (CDEC) is open to entries from young writers aged 9 to 16, who are Nigerians and attend primary or secondary school in Nigeria”, said Mrs. Bukola Adeboye, Group Head, Corporate Services.

The CDEC submission portal opens Tuesday, February 20th and closes April 12th, 2024, as part of SystemSpecs’ corporate social responsibility initiative aimed at facilitating ICT capacity development.

Founded in 2020, the competition empowers young Nigerian students to express their creative minds in solving national issues using technology and to show them that their views matter in ensuring positive change.

This 5th edition of the competition will explore digital safety, riding on the theme: “Protecting the Nigerian Child from the Dangers of Online Technology”, with the objective of encouraging participants to find practical solutions for ensuring children’s safety in the digital world.

“Although children and teens may be digital natives, there is a lot for them to learn about engaging with the internet safely. As business leaders and more importantly as parents, we understand and care about children’s online participation.

“Engaging with the ways they use the internet is key to improving their cyber experience at school, home, and other places,” said Mr. DeRemi Atanda, managing director, Remita Payment Services Limited.

Highlighting key activities for the 2024 edition, the Group Head, Corporate Services, said that it will be in 3 parts: Call for entry, Winners’ announcement, and the Award ceremony.

According to Mrs. Adeboye: “Participants are expected to submit their original work before the stated deadline, after which entries are thoroughly and carefully assessed. The Award ceremony will be held on June 7th, 2024, to recognise the winners’ hard work, discipline and commitment”.

Speaking on the impact of the competition, Mrs. Nonye Dioha, the mother of the third-place winner of 2023 – Dioha Adaeze – praised the efforts of SystemSpecs at sustaining the engagement of the competition in the last five years.

She said the competition has helped to groom IT talents in Nigeria and has served as a platform to showcase young voices and their contribution to positive change.

Participants are to submit their essays via link here.

The post SystemSpecs Opens Submission Portal for 5th Annual Essay Competition appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Mr. Atanda, a panellist at the Good Tenant Conference held recently in Lagos, addressed the theme: “Maximising ROI and Scaling Impact for Property Management Companies through Technology.”

He elaborated on how innovation through data and technology can help Property Management Companies identify new and existing market opportunities, driving operational growth.

Fellow panellists included Adekunle Jinadu, Co-Founder, Good Tenants; Osarugue Awani, Vice President, Marketing and Strategy, Terragon Group; and Charlotte Oduniade-Akeju, Chief Business Director, Tremendoc Limited; amongst others.

They reached a consensus on the pivotal role of data aggregation, partnerships, and technology in the PropTech industry.

PropTech refers to the application of technology to improve the real estate industry. While the PropTech industry is still in its early stages of development, it is growing rapidly.

According to Precedence Research, the global PropTech market size was valued at $30.16 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $133.05 billion by 2032, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16%.

This investment is fueling the development of new and innovative solutions for the industry.

According to Mr. Atanda, the increasing application of technology in this sector holds significant promise. However, traditional industry players risk being disrupted if they fail to adapt and align themselves with this trend.

“Technology is rapidly reshaping the real estate landscape, fundamentally altering how the sector operates. Notably, this transformation is being driven by individuals and organisations outside the traditional realm of property experts.”

“This shift highlights the disruptive power of technology when applied to established industries. It can dislodge and replace those who hold traditional roles, particularly if they fail to embrace technological advancements. Hence, the urgent need for industry players to move beyond a superficial interest in technology and actively engage in its adoption and implementation,” he remarked.

The Managing Director of Remita further highlighted their existing collaborations with some of Nigeria’s leading financial service providers. The company is actively onboarding diverse tech startups through its dedicated “Remita for Startups” initiative, designed to provide essential support and accelerate the success of these emerging businesses.

The “Remita for Startups” initiative provides startups with a comprehensive suite of resources aimed at empowering them throughout their venture-building journey.

These resources include training opportunities through the Remita Startup Academy; granting startups access to experienced professionals within the tech ecosystem.

Additionally, startups can benefit from extensive product development opportunities by utilising Remita’s solutions, such as funds transfer APIs, payment gateway APIs, a comprehensive vending suite, direct debit APIs, POS terminals, and more. The initiative also offers valuable collaboration opportunities through strategic partnerships and access to capital.

With a population exceeding 200 million individuals, according to data from the United Nations, Nigeria presents a significant and largely untapped market opportunity. The informal sector contributes an estimated 70% of the country’s GDP (National Bureau of Statistics of Nigeria). However, unlocking the full potential of this market necessitates effective data aggregation, transparent processes, increased efficiency, stringent quality standards, and a streamlined credit system.

Mr. Atanda recognises this vast chasm of possibilities, stating, “Remita is evolving into a data-driven company. Data can reveal a wealth of insights about the industry and its tenants. We are on the cusp of revolutionising Nigerian real estate through data and technology, while simultaneously supporting startups entering the sector.”

The deployment of technology and data possesses the potential to make the Nigerian real estate sector more transparent; boost liquidity through access to flexible credit; cut fraud through increased title integrity; aggregate demand to drive greater homeownership and reduce bureaucratic bottlenecks limiting sectoral growth.

Mr Atanda further stated that as with every other economic segment, innovation will always outpace regulation. Real estate operators must, therefore, proactively explore the vast potential within this sector, staying ahead of regulatory frameworks.

“Technology is permeating the real estate sector and defining its workings. Even individuals not directly involved in real estate will contribute through data, paving the way for technology startups to disrupt the industry. Property Management Companies neglecting to innovate will be left behind in the industry’s new growth phase, which will be fuelled by data and technology,” he concluded.

Recognising the substantial financial commitment real estate represents for many individuals, Mr Atanda highlighted the company’s commitment to alleviating this burden through innovative solutions.

“We offer an automated direct debit service, in conjunction with partnerships with key organisations, to provide salary earners and SMEs with consistent cash flow a convenient and timely solution for rent payments to landlords and property management firms,” he remarked.

Echoing Mr Atanda’s sentiments, Adekunle Jinadu, co-Founder of Good Tenants, emphasised the company’s dedication to leveraging technology and process innovation to unlock and grow diverse revenue streams for property and facility management leaders.

He quipped that his organisations’s research across the African property market reveals similar challenges that demand more technological solutions.

The post PropTech: Deploy Data, Tech to Unlock Property Industry’s Potential, Atanda advices Operators, Startups appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

‘Deremi, in his paper presentation at the 2023 Chartered Institute of Directors (CIoD) Nigeria Fellows Night and investiture ceremony, which took place in Lagos asserted that business leaders can avoid corporate governance failures by leveraging technology for coordination, communication and collaboration.

“In the contemporary business landscape, technology isn’t merely an accessory, it is a pivotal force for organisations striving to maintain global competitiveness. Attaining top-tier corporate governance standards necessitates wholeheartedly embracing technology and undergoing a comprehensive digital transformation across all sectors. This commitment is not only timely but also imperative for organisations aspiring to be at the forefront of progress,” he remarked.

Corporate Governance plays a vital role in the lifecycle of any organisation and when done right protects stakeholders such as the employees, investors, customers, regulators, etc, boosts investor confidence and fosters business sustainability.

Citing an inference from other colossal corporations who have fallen at the Achilles heel of poor corporate governance, Deremi expounded on how Remita had helped and continues to assist various organisations in improving their corporate governance structure and thus yielding positive fruits, such as reducing fraud, increasing efficiency, or ensuring compliance.

“As an institute, making a deliberate effort to minimise the occurrence of corporate governance failures stands as our utmost commitment. Harnessing technology for improved governance necessitates a primary focus on increasing awareness and advocating for a comprehensive understanding of the intricate facets of technological advancement,” he stated.

Speaking to the event’s theme: “Leveraging Technology for Enhanced 21st Century Governance” the Managing Director of Remita praised Nigeria’s advancements in contributing to global development through technology and emphasised the necessity to embrace a more technology-driven mindset across all sectors.

“We possess a vibrant and highly skilled workforce, a culturally rich and diverse heritage, and a resilient spirit. This positions us with a significant opportunity to harness technology for enhanced governance, ultimately yielding superior performance, outcomes, and impact. For us, technology should not be viewed merely as a tool, but as a mindset to be embraced and nurtured. It encompasses not only the tangible hardware, but also the intangible software, reflecting our thoughts, emotions, and convictions.”

“It is imperative that we discern not only what we achieve with it, but also the fundamental principles that underlie our actions—our sense of purpose, our ardour, and our ethical standards. Technology is not confined to the present; it is equally about shaping the future. Consequently, we must align our vision, objectives, and legacy with this forward-looking perspective.” ‘Deremi stated.

Africa boasts the world’s most youthful population, with 70% of sub-Saharan Africa’s populace being under the age of 30.

According to Deremi, this substantial demographic of young individuals signifies a vital group of stakeholders to be considered in corporate governance. Drawing from an example of how he utilised social media to address a concerned Remita customer, he encouraged business leaders to view digital media as a valuable opportunity for feedback aimed at enhancing internal procedures.

“Generally, the younger demographics are adept digital users, consistently connected, and they hold higher expectations from brands that cater to their needs. It is therefore imperative that we assume a more assertive role in articulating the value proposition of our businesses in this digitally interconnected world.” He stated.

The ceremony also witnessed the attendance of distinguished individuals from various sectors, and among them were Alhaji Tijani M. Borodo, President and Chairman of Council at CIoD Nigeria; Amina Oyagbola, Second Vice President at CIoD Nigeria; and Dele Alimi, Director General and CEO of CIoD Nigeria, along with other esteemed guests.

‘Deremi Atanda is a distinguished business leader and visionary known for his wealth of industry knowledge and expertise. His progressive mindset and unwavering dedication to collaboration have played a pivotal role in addressing social and economic challenges within the financial technology sector.

The post Technological Expertise, Imperative for Exceptional Corporate Governance –  ‘Deremi Atanda appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

‘Deremi made this call while representing John Obaro, the Group Managing Director, SHL, as the Keynote Speaker at the 6th Lagos Business School (LBS) MBA Entrepreneurship Expo and Contest held recently.

The event celebrates and rewards innovative business ideas and it featured five exceptional MBA students from different LBS programmes.

During his presentation titled “Shaping the Future of Business”, ‘Deremi encouraged entrepreneurs to break barriers and embrace change so as to play their part in shaping business for the future.

He added: “Business owners and managers are to pay attention to customers’ changing needs, technological advancements, deliberate value creation, and the influx of a new generation of workers, as these are critical levers that will shape businesses in the future”.

Identifying the hurdles that dot the Nigerian business landscape, he shone a spotlight on the boundless prospects for growth and triumph that the country holds, thereby urging entrepreneurs to embrace resilience, adaptability, and innovation as indispensable traits in the face of adversity.

“Engaging in business endeavours within Nigeria may initially appear daunting; however, it simultaneously unveils substantial avenues for growth and prosperity.

“Nigeria, being a country with emerging potential for business expansion, holds a promising future. As ambitious young professionals, you possess the extraordinary capacity to influence and shape the ever-evolving landscape of the business world,” ‘Deremi remarked.

Using the impressive trajectory of Remita, he described the company’s successful emergence despite the difficulties posed by the adversities against the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

The TSA has since been recognised as one of the finest governmental choices in the past decade.

“In the midst of turbulent times, the profound understanding of our core values acts as a guiding compass that propels us forward in any crisis. By effectively communicating with experienced professionals and fostering a culture of collaboration, we strengthen our path to success,” ‘Deremi stated.

Deremi Atanda ‘s leadership and innovative thinking have propelled Remita Payment Services Limited (RPSL) to the forefront of Nigeria’s fintech revolution.

Remita is an electronic payment solution that empowers individuals and businesses in Africa.

Since its establishment in 2005, Remita has garnered acclaim both domestically and internationally, including accolades such as Best Lending Support Service Provider and Best Corporate Payments Platform from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2022, among others.

The post Collaboration & Resilience Key to Business Success in Adversity – ‘Deremi Atanda appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Speaking during the first edition of the SystemSpecs Tech Innovation Webinar Series held recently in partnership with FintechNGR, ‘Deremi stressed the importance of adequate infrastructure development to enable a sustainable digital payment system in the country.

The event, themed “Cashless Policy: Sustaining Digital Payments beyond the Currency Redesign,” drew together some of the finest minds in the fintech industry including Dr Henrietta Onwuegbuzie, Director, Business Innovation Accelerator, Lagos Business School; Tomilola Majekodinmu, Founder/CEO Bankly; Demola Igbalajobi, Managing Director, SystemSpecs Technology Services(STSL) and others who discussed how to best sustain digital payments in Nigeria.

At the webinar, Deremi emphasised the importance of the cashless policy in promoting financial inclusion, reducing the cost of currency management, and enhancing the efficiency of the payment system. However, he also warned that the policy cannot succeed without a significant upgrade of Nigeria’s infrastructure.

The SystemSpecs Technology Innovation Webinar Series serves as an ingenious platform thoughtfully curated to proffer innovative solutions to a range of economic, financial, and other national challenges.

“Provide infrastructure to the last mile, ensure there is awareness, and that is where we talk about the four A paradigm. The first one is Awareness, people must know what there is; the second is Adoption; the third is Acceptance and the fourth is Acculturation making it a way of life where you keep reinventing the first three ‘As’,” he added.

Acknowledging the existing challenges hindering the widespread adoption of digital payments, including poor network connectivity, low levels of literacy, and inadequate infrastructure, ‘Deremi accentuated the need for a collaborative effort among fintech companies, the government, and traditional financial institutions to effectively tackle these daunting challenges.

“Fintech companies have a vital role to play in promoting financial inclusion and driving digital payments. We need to collaborate with other stakeholders, including the government and traditional financial institutions, to achieve our objectives.” he stated.

As the Managing Director of Remita Payment Services Limited (RPSL), ‘Deremi Atanda is responsible for driving the company’s growth and expansion strategy, building strategic partnerships, and overseeing the development of innovative digital payment solutions. Under his leadership, Remita has become a major player in Nigeria’s fintech industry.

Remita is a leading financial technology company based in Nigeria, providing innovative payment solutions to individuals, corporates, organisations of any size, and state and federal governments. Its cutting-edge solutions have been recognised both locally and internationally, earning the organisation numerous awards including the Best Lending Support Service Provider and Best Corporate Payments Platform accolades from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in 2022.

In a rapidly evolving fintech industry, Remita remains at the forefront of innovation, continuously developing new products and services to meet the evolving needs of its customers. Its focus on excellence, customer satisfaction, and social responsibility sets it apart as a leading player in the Nigerian fintech landscape.

The post Digital Payment Adoption in Nigeria Needs Infrastructure Upgrade – Deremi Atanda appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.