Kate Roland
After a decade of operations and processing transactions worth trillions of naira, Xpress Payment Solutions Limited says it is positioning itself for the next phase of growth by leveraging emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) to transform digital payments and customer experiences.
The company's Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Wale Olayisade, made this known during a public lecture held in Lagos to commemorate Xpress Payment's 10th anniversary.
Speaking on the theme, “A Decade of Innovation, A Future of Possibilities,” Olayisade reflected on the company's journey and how it has evolved alongside Nigeria's rapidly expanding digital payments ecosystem.
According to him, the future of financial technology will be shaped by intelligent systems capable of anticipating customer needs and delivering more seamless payment experiences.
“AI will enable us to better understand customers’ needs and anticipate the next steps in their financial journeys, reducing friction and enhancing convenience. The future is filled with possibilities,” he said.
AI and IoT Set to Transform Payment Services
As digital finance continues to evolve, Olayisade said technologies such as Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things will fundamentally change how consumers interact with financial services.
He explained that AI-powered systems will enable payment providers to offer more personalized solutions, predict user behavior and simplify transactions, while IoT integration could create seamless payment experiences across connected devices.
Industry experts believe these technologies could accelerate automation, improve fraud detection, enhance customer service and create smarter payment ecosystems capable of responding to users' needs in real time.
A Decade of Growth and Financial Inclusion
Looking back on the company's growth trajectory, Olayisade noted that Xpress Payment has expanded significantly since its inception, growing from a startup processing no transactions to a major player handling transactions worth trillions of naira annually.
He said the company's success reflects broader changes within Nigeria's financial services sector, particularly the increasing adoption of digital payment platforms and cashless transactions.
“From processing zero transactions at inception, we have grown to handle transactions worth trillions of naira. We have simplified processes such as payment of school fees, hospital bills, utility bills and cable television subscriptions that previously required physical visits and long waiting times,” he said.
According to him, the company's platforms have helped reduce barriers to financial access by bringing digital payment services closer to underserved communities and individuals who previously faced challenges accessing formal financial systems.
The growth of such platforms has contributed to Nigeria's broader financial inclusion agenda and the push toward a more cashless economy.
CBN Commended for Regulatory Support
Olayisade also acknowledged the role of the Central Bank of Nigeria in creating an enabling environment for innovation within the financial sector.
He credited the regulator's policies and oversight mechanisms for helping to strengthen consumer confidence, improve security standards and foster stability within the country's digital payments ecosystem.
According to him, effective regulation has been instrumental in supporting the growth of fintech companies while ensuring adequate consumer protection.
Resilience Through Economic Challenges
Also speaking at the anniversary event, Executive Director of Finance, Temitope Ajanaku, described the company's 10-year milestone as evidence of its resilience and adaptability.
She noted that the organization successfully navigated major challenges over the past decade, including disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and fluctuations in Nigeria's foreign exchange market.
Despite these obstacles, she said the company continued to innovate, expand its services and strengthen its position within the country's rapidly growing financial technology industry.
Looking Ahead
As Nigeria's digital economy continues to expand, Xpress Payment believes emerging technologies will unlock new opportunities for growth, efficiency and customer engagement.
With Artificial Intelligence and IoT expected to play a larger role in shaping the future of financial services, the company says its focus will remain on developing smarter, faster and more accessible payment solutions while deepening financial inclusion across the country.
For Xpress Payment, the first decade was defined by building infrastructure and expanding access. The next decade, according to its leadership, will be about harnessing intelligent technology to create a more connected and seamless financial future.
