The Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) has announced the appointment of Ebehijie Juliet Momoh, a former Senior Vice President at Mastercard, as the Managing Director/CEO of AfriGOPay Financial Services Limited (AFSL), its subsidiary. Additionally, Ugo Obasi has been appointed as Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the card company.
According to a statement from NIBSS, these appointments signify a significant advancement in the mission to transform the payment landscape and enhance the financial experience for businesses and consumers in Nigeria, Africa, and beyond. These strategic leadership changes are expected to drive innovation and operational excellence within AfriGOPay, reinforcing its position as a pivotal player in the digital payment ecosystem.
Ebehijie Juliet Momoh Profile:
Mrs. Momoh brings over 30 years of extensive experience in the financial services industry to her pivotal role as MD/CEO. She began her career at Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), where she quickly established herself as a capable leader. Her career trajectory includes holding strategic leadership positions at several major financial institutions, including Diamond Bank Plc (now Access Bank Plc), First City Monument Bank, and Standard Chartered Bank. Most recently, she served as Senior Vice President and Country Head, West Africa at Mastercard.
In her new role, Mrs. Momoh will lead the development, operations, and acceptance of the AfriGO Card. This card scheme is designed to deliver a seamless, secure, and efficient payment system that meets the diverse needs of the populace. By facilitating faster transactions, reducing costs, and enhancing the overall user experience, the AfriGO Card Scheme aims to position Nigeria at the forefront of the digital payment revolution. Her extensive experience and strategic insight are expected to drive significant growth and innovation within AfriGOPay.
Ugo Obasi Profile:
Mr. Obasi joins AfriGOPay Financial Services Limited as COO, bringing over 20 years of exceptional leadership experience in banking, information technology, and payments across West Africa. His career is distinguished by his roles at Unity Bank Plc, Ingenico, and other card schemes, where he implemented transformative payment solutions that significantly enhanced operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Read also: How To Obtain an ECOWAS Passport as a Digital Nomad.
Before joining AFSL, he served as the Director responsible for Business Development and Bank Partnerships at Ceviant Payments. In his role as COO, Obasi will drive operational excellence and innovation, overseeing the development and implementation of strategic initiatives to enhance the efficiency, security, and user experience of the AfriGO Card. His leadership is expected to bolster AfriGOPay’s operational capabilities, ensuring the successful execution of its strategic objectives.
How it all started:
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and NIBSS launched AfriGo in January last year as Nigeria’s first national payment card. With the AfriGO card, Nigeria joins countries like China, Russia, Turkey, and India, which have their local cards. The operation of local cards will not prevent the use of existing international cards but will provide more options for Nigerians. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance the country’s financial infrastructure and promote financial inclusion.
Recently, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) named AfriGo as the provider of the new single and General Multipurpose Card (GMPC) that would be issued to Nigerians. The NIMC payment card comes as the first major project for AfriGo since its launch over a year ago. This development underscores AfriGOPay’s growing influence in the financial technology sector and its commitment to providing innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of the Nigerian populace.
The AfriGO Card Scheme is designed to deliver a seamless, secure, and efficient payment system that meets the diverse needs of the populace. By facilitating faster transactions, reducing costs, and enhancing the overall user experience, the AfriGO Card Scheme aims to position Nigeria at the forefront of the digital payment revolution. The scheme is expected to contribute significantly to the financial inclusion agenda, making financial services more accessible to a broader segment of the population.
In conclusion, the appointment of Ebehijie Juliet Momoh and Ugo Obasi to leadership positions within AfriGOPay Financial Services Limited represents a strategic move to bolster the company’s capabilities and drive its mission to transform the payment landscape in Nigeria and beyond. Their extensive experience and proven track records in the financial services industry are expected to bring a new level of innovation and operational excellence to AfriGOPay, positioning it as a leader in the digital payment space.
