Happiness Obioha, the Chief Executive Officer, gave the advice while speaking on AI-powered identity theft and payment fraud, at the Payments Forum Nigeria [PAFON 2.0] held in Lagos, recently, she said the rapidly growing threat can no longer be ignored by businesses, especially those in the payment space.

She said while AI continues to transform the way people live and work, it also introduces new security vulnerabilities that threaten the very systems users aim to enhance.

Obioha referred to the latest Microsoft Cyber Signals report which highlighted a rise in AI-assisted scams targeting online shoppers using payments channels.

She warned that scammers are increasingly using AI to create more convincing fraudulent schemes.

In her words:

“From deepfakes and synthetic identity fraud to real-time payment exploitation through bot attacks, cybercriminals are using AI to create smarter, more evasive fraud schemes. This is why security must be at the forefront of AI integration. Without a fortified environment, even the most innovative technologies risk becoming liabilities.

“At Tizel Cybersecurity, we’re not just observing this evolution—we’re actively shaping the future of secure innovation. We provide AI-driven security solutions that detect and prevent fraud in real-time, protect against identity theft, and ensure safe digital interactions across financial and business platforms.

“Our services include real-time threat detection and response, AI-based biometric authentication, fraud prevention using behavioral analytics, next-generation firewall and intrusion prevention systems, and comprehensive cybersecurity training designed to build a strong culture of security.

She further stated that Tizel Cybersecurity has readied its team to support businesses by delivering proactive, intelligent, and adaptable security infrastructures—“because staying ahead of cybercriminals is not a one-time effort; it’s a continuous journey”.

‘As we leverage AI to drive inclusion and customer experience, let’s also prioritize security at every step. The question isn’t whether threats will come—it’s whether we’re prepared when they do”, she said.

As both a sponsor and participant at PAFON 2.0, she said they were excited to join industry leaders to explore the theme: “Bridging the Customer Experience Gap for Financial Inclusion Using AI.”

The Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON) is a platform for discussing and addressing issues related to the Nigerian payments ecosystem. It’s a cross-industry event that brings together industry leaders, policymakers, fintech innovators, and other stakeholders to discuss topics like digital payments, cybersecurity, and financial inclusion.

Effective fintech product activation involves creating a robust digital payment ecosystem that not only addresses the unique challenges of diverse markets but also empowers individuals and businesses to participate fully in the global economy.

As a seasoned professional in the fintech and payments industry, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative potential of well-activated fintech products.

These solutions have not only expanded financial inclusion but have also revolutionised cross-border transactions, enabling businesses to operate seamlessly across borders and empowering individuals to access essential financial services.

Reflecting on our experience launching Proximity Pay in Nigeria’s retail sector during the 2020-2021 period, my team and I successfully navigated the complex payment landscape by prioritising a customer-centric approach.

Through innovative solutions and tailored offerings, we overcame initial scepticism and fostered a widespread adoption of digital payments, demonstrating the profound impact of putting the user at the heart of fintech innovations.

This is just one example of how fintech can reshape economies, empower communities, and drive progress.

As we look to the future, the role of fintech will continue to evolve, serving as a catalyst for positive transformation across industries.

*Olaniyi Ibraheem | FinTech, Digitalization & Innovation Specialist | BDM Africa | Payment Orchestration