OPay, one of Nigeria’s foremost financial technology institutions, has been recognised as the Fintech Company of the Year 2024 by Leadership Newspapers, emerging as the sole fintech recipient at this year’s prestigious Leadership Awards.
The award ceremony, which took place on 8 April at the iconic Aso Rock Villa, honoured the firm’s outstanding contribution to Nigeria’s evolving financial ecosystem—particularly in the areas of digital innovation, transaction security, and inclusive access to financial services.
Among a pool of highly competitive contenders, OPay was singled out for its ongoing commitment to bridging financial gaps by serving tens of millions of Nigerians, especially those within the unbanked and underbanked population. The company’s role in advancing Nigeria’s transition to a cashless economy was also a significant factor in its selection.
The fintech firm has consistently introduced forward-thinking features aimed at enhancing user confidence and transactional safety. These include the Large Transaction Shield, designed to provide heightened protection for substantial payments, and NightGuard, which enables users to restrict account access during specified hours with the added layer of facial recognition for verification.
In his acceptance remarks, Dauda Gotring, Managing Director and CEO of OPay, expressed appreciation for the recognition. “We are deeply honoured to be recognised as the Fintech Company of the Year. This award is a testament to our vision of creating a secure, inclusive, and innovative financial ecosystem for every Nigerian. We dedicate this achievement to our loyal customers who inspire us every day to do better,” he said.
This recent accolade not only affirms OPay’s pioneering efforts within the Nigerian fintech space but also highlights its growing influence in reshaping Africa’s digital payments landscape.
Founded in 2018, OPay has swiftly become a household name in Nigeria’s financial services sector. The company provides an array of digital solutions including money transfers, airtime and data top-ups, bill payments, card issuance, and merchant services. With a reputation for speed, reliability, and user-centric service delivery, OPay operates under a Central Bank of Nigeria licence and is insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), enjoying the same protections as commercial banks.