Nigeria’s digital payments market is gaining fresh momentum as major financial institutions integrate Google Pay into their services, giving eligible cardholders additional options for making secure and convenient transactions locally and internationally.
FirstBank and United Bank for Africa (UBA) have announced the integration of the global digital wallet platform, joining GTCO and Zenith Bank in expanding access to contactless payment technology for eligible customers.
Google Pay, which launched in Nigeria on October 27, 2026, allows users to add eligible payment cards to compatible devices and pay for goods and services without presenting physical cards at supported payment terminals.
The development reflects the growing adoption of digital financial services in Nigeria, as banks invest in technology to simplify transactions, improve customer experience and provide payment options that align with changing consumer habits.
FirstBank said the integration would allow eligible cardholders to add their bank cards to Google Pay and make contactless payments at supported terminals worldwide.
The bank’s Group Head, e-Business and Retail Products, Abednego Ugwueke, said the initiative was consistent with its digital transformation strategy and commitment to delivering convenient banking services.
“At FirstBank, we are constantly evolving our digital capabilities to deliver banking experiences that are simple, secure and aligned with the lifestyle of our customers,” he said.
Ugwueke described the integration as a significant step towards providing eligible cardholders with access to a globally accepted payment solution. He added that the bank would continue to bring emerging payment technologies closer to its customers.
The service complements FirstBank’s existing digital banking channels, including LIT App, FirstMobile, FirstOnline and FirstDirect, as well as its range of payment cards.
UBA, meanwhile, said it was the first bank in Nigeria to enable Google Pay for eligible Visa and Mastercard users, describing the move as part of its commitment to secure, convenient and innovative banking services.
The bank’s Directorate Head, Cards, Orry Seem, said the service would make everyday transactions easier by allowing customers to use their smartphones as digital wallets.
“Our customers live busy lives, and the way they pay should make those lives easier. For many of them, the phone is the first thing they reach for, so it makes sense for it to become their wallet too,” she said.
Seem explained that customers would be able to make payments locally and internationally at merchants that accept Google Pay, subject to the eligibility of their cards and devices.
UBA’s Group Head, Brands, Marketing and Corporate Communications, Alero Ladipo, said the integration reflected the bank’s ambition to expand the adoption of modern digital payment solutions.
“Digital payment in Nigeria is growing fast, and customers expect more ways to pay. Making Google Pay available to our Visa and Mastercard cardholders gives them a simple, fast option for everyday purchases, backed by the security of their UBA cards,” she said.
Ladipo added that the bank would continue to collaborate with global technology and payment partners to introduce additional services that respond to customers’ changing needs.
UBA already offers mobile and internet banking services, alongside LEO, its artificial intelligence-powered virtual banking assistant.
FirstBank and UBA said the adoption of Google Pay would give customers greater flexibility while supporting Nigeria’s broader transition towards a digitally driven economy.
How Google Pay Works in Nigeria
To use Google Pay, eligible customers must first add a supported bank card to Google Wallet on a compatible Android smartphone and complete any verification required by their card-issuing bank.
Once the card has been activated, users can make payments at participating merchants that accept Google Pay.
For in-store transactions, the smartphone must support near-field communication (NFC), a wireless technology that allows devices to exchange information over short distances.
At checkout, customers can unlock their phones, authenticate the transaction where required and hold the device near a compatible contactless payment terminal.
The terminal processes the payment request through the relevant payment systems, which then seek authorisation from the card-issuing bank. If approved, the transaction is completed in a manner similar to a payment made with a physical contactless card.
Google Pay can also be used for online and in-app purchases at participating merchants that offer it as a payment option. Rather than manually entering card details, customers can select Google Pay during checkout and confirm the payment using the available authentication method.
However, access to the service depends on several factors, including the customer’s bank, card type, device compatibility and the merchant’s acceptance of Google Pay.
Customers are therefore advised to check Google’s supported-card information and confirm eligibility with their banks before attempting to add their cards to Google Wallet.
As more Nigerian banks adopt digital wallet technology, the expansion of Google Pay could provide consumers with additional ways to transact while further integrating the country’s banking sector with global digital payment systems.