Designed for affordability and everyday use, the Naira Visa Debit Card makes electronic payments more accessible, offering a widely accepted option that fits the spending needs of millions of Nigerians.

In a further push toward expanding digital payments and reducing reliance on cash transactions, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has introduced a new Naira Visa Debit Card in collaboration with Visa. The rollout is aimed at making electronic payments more accessible, especially for everyday banking customers across Nigeria.

The card is positioned as a practical payment tool for routine spending, both locally and internationally. It can be used at point-of-sale terminals, ATMs, and online platforms that operate on Visa’s global payment infrastructure. With this, the bank is targeting customers who are gradually shifting from cash-heavy transactions to more digital-first payment habits in retail stores, utility payments, and e-commerce activities.

The initiative also reflects Nigeria’s broader financial policy direction, where the push for a cashless economy has been reinforced over time by successive directives from the Central Bank of Nigeria. The new card is expected to support financial inclusion by extending digital payment tools to a wider range of income groups and customer segments.

Explaining the motivation behind the product, Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive, eBusiness & Retail Products at FirstBank, emphasized ease of use and customer empowerment. He said:

“Everyday transactions should be simple, secure, and rewarding. The Naira Visa Debit Card is designed to make life easier for our customers, whether they are paying for groceries, settling utility bills, or shopping online. By extending reliable electronic payment access across Nigeria, we are helping more people transition confidently from cash to digital payments, supporting the nation’s cashless policy and empowering communities with greater financial inclusion.”

From Visa’s perspective, the partnership reflects a continued effort to strengthen Nigeria’s payments ecosystem and broaden access to reliable card services. Andrew Uaboi, Vice President and Cluster Head for West Africa at Visa, noted:
"A strong payments ecosystem is one that works for everyone. The Naira Visa Debit Card extends reliable electronic payment access to everyday Nigerian consumers, and this in addition to the cards in our portfolio continues to demonstrate what a truly comprehensive card portfolio looks like for the Nigerian market. Visa is proud to power this offering with FirstBank."
The new debit card also strengthens FirstBank’s existing card offerings, which already include credit products and premium lifestyle-focused cards. With this addition, the bank is positioning its portfolio as a more complete structure that serves customers across different income levels and spending needs.

Eligible customers of First Bank of Nigeria Limited can obtain the Naira Visa Debit Card through any of its branches nationwide, further widening access to formal digital payment systems as Nigeria continues its transition toward a less cash-dependent economy.