But at the Nigeria Fintech Week (NFW) 2025, the country’s most influential fintech gathering, speakers made it known that beyond the data, trust, collaboration, and innovation will define the nation’s digital future.

For the first time in its history, the week-long event is being held simultaneously in Lagos, Enugu, and Port Harcourt, bolstering inclusion as well as national reach, as is aligned with the theme “The Fintech Ecosystem Symphony: Orchestrating Nigeria’s Digital Future.”

This year’s edition is held at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, bringing regulators, innovators, investors, and policymakers under one roof to discuss the fintech sector’s scale and sustainability.

From Association to Movement

Opening the day’s proceedings, Dr Stanley Jacob, president of FintechNGR, described the association’s evolution from a small group of pioneers to a national force building solid grounds for finance.

“When Fintech Nigeria was set up, it wasn’t to sit back and watch,” he said. “It was to drive digital transformation for our financial landscape. We wanted to lead, and today, I can confidently say we are orchestrating that transformation.”

Dr Jacob noted that through its PIE Agenda — Participation, Innovation, and Expansion, FintechNGR has grown into a hub of activity with over 600 institutional members and 62 active volunteers driving impact.

“We are no longer just an association. We are now a movement,” he said.

He explained that the association’s five Communities of Practice — covering innovation, cybersecurity, inclusion, policy, and industry advocacy — now anchor its influence in both local and international fintech conversations. “We have created an ecosystem that doesn’t just respond to change; we drive it.”

Harmony Through Collaboration

Picking up that thread, Dr Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, vice president of FintechNGR and chairperson of Nigeria Fintech Week 2025, noted that fintech’s progress depends on collaboration.

“Our ecosystem requires every instrument — regulators, innovators, investors, and consumers — to play their part,” she said. “This is more than a theme; it is a statement of intent.”

She noted that FintechNGR’s growing visibility in policy discussions is evidence of maturity. “We’re not just a ceremonial presence with regulators. We’re now recognised for our expertise and the value we bring to Nigeria’s financial and technology ecosystem,” she said.

Dr Sharrieff-Ayedun also stressed FintechNGR’s governance reforms, from data protection frameworks to transparency in operations, as part of building credibility. “Do not leave this week without making the deal you came to make. Like a symphony, we must all play in harmony.”

Africa Can Deliver to the World

Dr Segun Aina, chairman of the FintechNGR Board of Trustees and president of the Africa Fintech Network (AFN), lifted the discussion to the continental aspect, affirming that Nigeria’s fintech success is part of a bigger African story.

“Nigeria has four of the nine leading fintechs in Africa, and many more are on the way,” he said. “We are not just participating in the global fintech story, we are shaping it.”

He highlighted key AFN initiatives, including the Africa Fintech Hub, supported by the African Development Bank, and the Fintech Passporting Project, which aims to harmonise regulatory requirements across African countries.

“With standardised frameworks, it will be seamless for fintechs to operate from one African country to another,” he said. “Africa can deliver to the world, not as followers, but as creators.”

Trust as the New Currency

Representing CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso, Dr Rakiya Opemi Yusuf, director of the Payments System Supervision Department, reiterated the Central Bank’s focus on balanced innovation.

“Like an orchestra, our fintech ecosystem requires harmony between innovation and regulation, inclusion and security,” she said. “Only through such balance can we advance trust and inclusion.”

She cited the ₦384 trillion figure as evidence of the deepening confidence in Nigeria’s financial technology systems. “The Central Bank embraces responsible innovation,” she said. “Compliance and trust are not barriers; they are the foundation of sustainability. When products are built on trust, they endure, and they attract investors.”

In alignment with this, Callistus Obetta, group executive, Technology & Services at First Bank of Nigeria, emphasised that trust is “the bedrock of financial services.”

“In today’s digital world, trust is our real currency,” he said. “AI should not replace human relationships, it should enhance them, allowing people to serve customers with empathy and purpose.”

Policy and People at the Core

Representing Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, Blessing Adeolu-Adediran of CCHub delivered a goodwill message that tied policy, innovation, and human capital together.

“The future of our nation will be shaped by the digital innovations of today,” she said. “This week reminds us that the Nigeria we envision tomorrow will be built by what we choose to do — or fail to do — now.”

She spotlighted the Sail Innovation Lab, a project that has trained over 9,000 young Nigerians in technology skills, as a practical model for inclusive growth.

One Vision, One Symphony

Nigeria’s fintech expansion has reached a point of harmony, between ambition and regulation, innovation and inclusion, policy and people.

Dr Stanley Jacob’s closing words at the Nigeria Fintech Week 2025 captured the spirit of the day: “Our mission continues, our vision remains clear, and our commitment is unwavering. Together, we will orchestrate Nigeria’s digital future.”

Scheduled for October 7–9, 2025, across Lagos, Abuja, and Enugu with hybrid global participation, NFW25 will bring together more than 20,000 innovators, policymakers, creators, regulators, investors, and professionals to explore how fintech powers every industry, from healthcare and agriculture to entertainment, transport, media, and education.

“This year’s theme reflects fintech’s transformation from a niche financial solution to the conductor of Nigeria’s entire economic orchestra,” said Dr. Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, Vice President of the Fintech Association of Nigeria (FinTechNGR). “From enabling micro-insurance for healthcare, powering transaction-based credit for smallholder farmers, to boosting the creator economy with seamless payouts, making transport and retail transactions traceable and safer, and more.”

“We’re reimagining the conference experience to offer a more unique, participant-led journey. That is why the conference will have multiple simultaneous tracks. Each track is tailored to different ecosystem actors – policymakers, innovators, corporates, creators, SMEs, and youth. Our digital future works only when every instrument in the orchestra plays in harmony.”

What to Expect at NFW25

• 20+ Thematic Tracks designed for 20,000+ ecosystem actors, including policymakers, innovators, creators, SMEs, and youth
• Global Networking & Investment Opportunities with high-level regulators (CBN, SEC, NDIC, NITDA, NIMC, and more)
• Innovation Showcases & Live Demos from leading fintechs and disruptors
• Youth & SME Capacity-Building Workshops to prepare the next generation of industry leaders
• Special Highlights, including the Most Interesting Fintech of the Year reveal and industry performances

“Fintech powers everything, and NFW25 is where Nigeria’s future is co-created, so we are inviting everyone, from innovators to end-users, to be part of this symphony,” added Mr. Seun Folorunsho, executive secretary of the Planning Committee. 

Key Details

Dates: October 7–9, 2025
 Venues:

• Lagos: Landmark Centre (Main Event)
  
  
• Abuja: Royal Choice Hotel, CBD
  
  
• Enugu: Hotel Sunshine, Plot C5, Presidential Road, Ogui
    + Hybrid Global Access

Registration for NFW25 is 100% free but highly competitive, with priority access given to early registrants due to expected demand across specialized tracks. Click here to register.

In discussions with Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, the delegation explored initiatives such as the Fintech Passport, which will standardise licensing and enable cross-border fintech operations across Africa.

Senator Abiru pledged to deliver a goodwill message at Nigeria Fintech Week 2025 (NFW25) in Lagos and encouraged showcasing models like the SAIL Innovation Lab to inspire youth participation.

Similarly, Senator Shuaib Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT, reaffirmed the legislature’s readiness to enact forward-looking laws on fintech, cybersecurity, and data protection to fast-track Nigeria’s trillion-dollar digital economy ambitions.

Through these engagements, AFN and FintechNGR emphasised the central role of lawmakers in creating a regulatory and legislative environment that allows innovation to thrive while safeguarding stability and consumer trust.

FILE PHOTO: L-r: Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, chairman, Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and other Financial Institutions, and Dr. Segun Aina, chairman, Board of Trustees, FintechNGR and President, AFN.

Both associations reiterated that NFW25 will serve as a platform for further dialogue between innovators, regulators, and policymakers to align on Nigeria’s digital future.

On the AFN and FintechNGR delegation were: Dr. Segun Aina, Chairman, Board of Trustees, FintechNGR and President, AFN; Dr. Stanley Jacob, CEO, Zest Payments Ltd. and President, FintechNGR; Dr. Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, CEO, Credit Registry Ltd. and Vice President, FintechNGR; and Mr. Seun Adesanya, Digital Lead, Polaris Bank / Transformation and Innovation Executive, and Treasurer, FintechNGR.

On the AFN and FintechNGR delegation were: Dr. Segun Aina, chairman, Board of Trustees, FintechNGR and President, AFN; Dr. Stanley Jacob, CEO, Zest Payments Ltd. and President, FintechNGR; Dr. Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, CEO, Credit Registry Ltd. and Vice President, FintechNGR; and Mr. Seun Adesanya, Digital Lead, Polaris Bank / Transformation and Innovation Executive, and Treasurer, FintechNGR.

During the engagement with CBN Governor Dr. Olayemi Cardoso, the delegation received assurance of the Bank’s commitment to building frameworks that balance innovation with stability.

CBN leaders emphasised the importance of discipline, compliance, and responsible innovation in creating an inclusive financial system.

At SEC, Dr. Emomotimi Agama, the director-general, underscored the Commission’s priority to boost investor protection, expand capital formation, and accommodate emerging instruments such as crowdfunding and digital assets.

*L-r: Dr. Segun Aina, chairman, Board of Trustees, FintechNGR and President, AFN, presenting a copy of his book to Dr. Emomotimi Agama, the director-general, Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

*PHOTO: AFN, FintechNGR and SEC executives.

The meeting with NAICOM Commissioner Mr. Olusegun Omosehin focused on innovation as a tool to address Nigeria’s low insurance penetration, with agreement on concrete steps to leverage fintech and insurtech for broader inclusion.

All three regulators confirmed their support and participation at Nigeria Fintech Week 2025 (NFW25), scheduled for October 7–9, 2025 across Lagos, Abuja, and Enugu, the largest fintech gathering on the continent.

The hybrid event brought together over 600 members, including fintech executives, policymakers, and innovation leaders.

Opening the session, Dr. Segun Aina, chairman of the Board of Trustees, emphasized the need for collaborative leadership to drive Nigeria’s digital renaissance.

In his President’s address, Dr. Stanley Jacob outlined achievements under the Association’s PIE agenda, Participation, Innovation, and Expansion.

Key milestones include:

• A growing membership base exceeding 600.
• The rollout of five dynamic Communities of Practice (CoPs) focused on innovation, policy engagement, cybersecurity, inclusion, and ecosystem advocacy.
• Strategic roles in national policy platforms, including the Open Banking Implementation Committee and NITDA’s Cybersecurity Steering Group.

Looking ahead, Dr. Jacob unveiled the theme for Nigeria Fintech Week 2025:

“The Fintech Ecosystem Symphony: Orchestrating Nigeria’s Digital Future.”
The landmark event, spanning four regional hubs, is targeting over ₦1 billion in revenue and sponsorship, further cementing Nigeria’s role as Africa’s digital finance hub.

Despite slight revenue declines and increased operational costs, FintechNGR’s 2024 financials reflect solid health, with a liquidity ratio of 4.65:1.

Reforms in governance, procurement, and data privacy reinforce the association’s commitment to transparency, resilience, and ethical standards.

“FintechNGR is more than a platform, it is the heartbeat of Nigeria’s digital evolution and a catalyst for Africa’s financial transformation,” said Dr. Jacob.

The AGM concluded with a renewed call for members to lead as innovators, ecosystem builders, and policy advocates, united in shaping an inclusive and future-ready digital economy for Nigeria and beyond.

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 elections adjudged to be free, fair and transparent produced Dr Stanley Jacob, CEO Zest Payments Limited, as the President-Elect of the association.

This election marks a significant milestone in the affairs of the association and triggers a transition from the Mr Ade Bajomo-led governing council whose tenure elapses in the next few weeks.

Commenting on the elections, Dr Segun Aina, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of FintechNGR applauded the outgoing leadership for their dedication and achievement on setting a strong foundation for the association. He further congratulated the newly elected governing council charging them to continue the path of advancement and global collaboration.

Mr Ade Bajomo, President of the outgoing governing council, commended the electoral committee for a seamless process while expressing utmost confidence that the incoming governing council will continue to champion the growth and development of the fintech ecosystem.

While congratulating the incoming governing council, the Chairman of electoral committee, Mrs Bunmi Lawson expressed her gratitude to the outgoing governing council for their dedicated service to the association.

Responding to the election outcome, the President-Elect, Dr Stanley Jacob stated, “I am honored to be entrusted with the leadership of FintechNGR and excited to build upon the strong foundation laid by Ade and the outgoing governing council”.

Members elected as Principal Officers of the governing council are Dr Jameelah Sharrieff-Ayedun, CEO, Credit Registry as Vice President; Tiwa Osazuwa, Partner, AELEX as General Secretary; and Oluwaseun Adesanya, CEO, Vsured as Treasurer.

Others elected as Members of the governing council are: Yinka Edu, Partner at UUBO, Odun Eweniyi, Co-founder, PiggyVest, Dr Funmi Babington-Ashaye, CEO, Risk Analyst, Yemi Keri, CEO, Herkerbella, Abiola Jimoh, Co-founder, Xchangebox, Deremi Atanda, MD, Remita; and Gbenga Paseda, MD, VFD Tech,

Other GovCo members include;Lanre Oladimeji, Group Head, Retail, Zenith Bank, Akin Morakinyo, Registrar, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Aituaz Kola-Oladejo, ED, Financial Services Innovators (FSI), Henry Obiekea, CEO, FairMoney, Dr. Habiba Adamu Kakudi, Associate Professor, Bayero University Kano, Dr. Bisi Aina, CEO, Soft Alliance & Resources Limited, Dr. Usman Abdullahi, Former Director ITIS, NITDA and  Rakiya Mohammed, Former Director ICT, Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Babatunde Obrimah, COO, FintechNGR.

Nigeria Fintech Week is the largest fintech event in Africa. Over the last six editions, the event has attracted more than 20,000 participants, more than 500 brands and representatives from more than 50 countries to explore trends, foster collaboration and shape the future of Africa’s dynamic and rapidly evolving fintech industry.

This year’s theme – “Positioning Africa’s Fintech Ecosystem to Accelerate Inclusive Growth” – underscores the critical role of financial technology solutions in driving much-needed economic expansion and development. Talking points will include corporate governance, Generative AI, Smart Regulation, Digital Assets, Risk Management and cybersecurity/fraud management, digital and economic inclusion, and other relevant topics.

This year’s event will be a hybrid event (online and in-person) and it is expected to host more than 20,000 attendees from more than 80 countries, as well as more than 100 speakers and more than 50 exhibitors.

The event will also include an investor forum where startups can pitch to select investors, a job fair for interactions between employers, recruiters and job seekers, opportunities for one-to-one meetings with regulators and other opportunities.

Rodger Werkhoven, Independent Creative Director at OpenAI has been confirmed as one of the keynote speakers

Other confirmed speakers include, Temi Popoola, Group CEO of Nigeria Exchange Group, Dr Aminu Maida, Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr Emomotimi Agama, Director General of Securities & Exchange Commission, Temitope Ajanaku, Group CFO Xpress Payments, Nimide Falasinu, Vice President, Client Experience at Zest Payment, Dr Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director-General/CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency, Gbolayo Atoyebi, Head, FSI Sales at Mainone, Mujib Ishola Executive Director/CTO of Remita, Dr. Chinasa T. Okolo, Fellow at The Brookings Institution, Ifeoluwa Adekunle-Yusuf, Vice President, Product and Engineering at Zest Payments, James Edeh, Head of Compliance at FairMoney Microfinance Bank, Branka Mracajac, CEO of 9 Payment Service Bank and Adetoyese Adedokun, Director at Maycode. Other speakers from The Central Bank of Nigeria, Interswitch, Unified Payments, PalmPay and more will be confirmed shortly.

Speaking ahead of the event, Dr Babatunde Obrimah, COO, FintechNGR said;

“Since we started in 2017, Nigeria Fintech Week has emerged as the premier platform for advancing the African financial technology ecosystem, bringing together key stakeholders to ensure that fintech innovation continues to drive sustainable economic development on the continent. Our aim for this year’s event is to drive impactful conversations on key topics such as Artificial Intelligence, digital assets, governance and financial inclusion, all while fostering collaboration that will shape the future of fintech in Africa. We look forward to welcoming participants from around the world for what promises to be our most transformative event yet.”

The event is free to attend. However, registration is necessary. Interested participants can find out more information or register to attend.

Nigeria Fintech Week 2024 will be delivered in collaboration with Africa Fintech Network, Maycode and Talking Drum Communications.

During the meeting with Dr. Emomotimi Agama, director general, and the SEC management team, the pivotal role of FintechNGR as a leading fintech association and enabler was highlighted. The discussions focused on recent developments in the fintech sector, virtual assets, and fostering richer engagements between regulators and fintechs.

Mr. Bajomo commended the President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for appointing highly qualified and distinguished individuals to the SEC’s current management team. He emphasized their crucial role in shaping fintech regulation in Nigeria.

During the meeting, Dr. Agama briefed the FintechNGR team on the new energy and direction of the SEC, aiming to further harness the benefits of fintechs for the overall economy. He stated, “SEC’s participation has been central to the evolution of the fintech ecosystem in Nigeria. We believe that proper regulation of fintechs and their affiliates can significantly enhance the market and deepen the investment landscape.”

Initiatives to be pursued with the fintech ecosystem include partnerships to make the 2024 Nigeria Fintech Week more impactful, enriching the activities of the Regulators Forum, organizing fintech learning series for various stakeholders, and exploring self-regulation status for FintechNGR to foster closer relationships with regulators.

It is noteworthy that FintechNGR initiated a Fintech Learning Series for regulators, leading to the development of a Fintech Adoption Roadmap Policy under the leadership of the SEC. This policy has resulted in the issuance of regulations such as crowdfunding rules, virtual asset rules, and robo-advisory rules. The Association is also facilitating similar work with the insurance sector to develop a comprehensive insurtech roadmap for Nigeria.

This meeting aimed to deepen the role of the telecommunications sector as a crucial enabler of fintech in Nigeria.

The engagement addressed the critical issue of connectivity and investment in public infrastructure, emphasizing the need for improved connectivity to support essential services such as schools, airports, fire services, police stations, and parks, thereby enhancing timely emergency response.

Ade Bajomo highlighted the inclusive nature of FintechNGR as a strength that regulators should leverage to develop robust policies and regulatory frameworks.

He underscored the importance of harnessing Nigeria’s natural resources, particularly lithium, to power base stations and reduce operating costs for telecommunications players.

“Leveraging alternative energy sources built on lithium batteries will greatly enhance connectivity, facilitate efficiency, and drive environmental sustainability,” said Bajomo.

He proposed a public-private collaboration to develop these mineral resources.

Dr Aminu Maida responded by emphasizing the need for Nigeria to build internal capacity for creating mobile devices.

He noted that approximately 57% of mobile phones in Nigeria still operate on 2G networks, which do not provide broadband speed for users, and that the Commission is working with the industry and other cross-sectors to advance user transition to newer technologies such as 5G.

He stressed the importance of FintechNGR working with regulators to facilitate the maturity of fintechs through corporate governance empowerment, training, and mentorship.

Dr. Maida also highlighted the need for a coordinated approach to combating fraud and cybersecurity threats in the financial sector.

“Deepening partnerships between fintechs, financial services providers, and the telecoms sector through collaboration will significantly strengthen innovation in Nigeria,” he said.

The NCC noted that it will work with FintechNGR to enrich the activities of the Regulators Forum—a forum of regulators and innovators in Nigeria that aims to balance regulation and innovation—to facilitate a more impactful Nigeria Fintech Week and leverage the Association as a valuable resource in future regulatory and policy development initiatives.