When OPay entered Nigeria’s fintech space in 2018, it promised to make everyday payments easier for people who had long been underserved by traditional banking. In just a few years, it has grown from a new digital wallet into one of the country’s most widely used financial platforms. That steady rise was on full display on 29 November 2025 in Lagos, when OPay emerged as one of the biggest winners at the ninth Tech Innovation Awards, taking home Fintech Company of the Year and Best Fintech in Cybersecurity.

The awards brought together some of the most influential names shaping Nigeria’s digital economy, spanning financial services, technology, and compliance. The moment was about the journey of building trust at scale in a system where confidence is everything.

Speaking after the announcement, the company’s Chief Compliance Officer, Chukwudinma Okafor, described the win as a reflection of the work happening quietly behind the scenes. He said the recognition showed OPay’s focus on building safe payment systems and strong compliance structures that allow millions of Nigerians to transact with confidence. According to him, the awards also belonged to the people who use the platform daily and to the teams that continue to refine how security works in real life, not just on paper.

The company’s Chief Commercial Officer, Elizabeth Wang, also spoke about the importance of security being more than just a technical feature. She highlighted OPay’s recent Security Vote Campaign, a social media initiative designed to educate users on how to use in-app security tools properly. The campaign helped many Nigerians better understand how to protect their accounts, avoid fraud, and move money safely. For her, the cybersecurity award reflects not just strong systems, but an effort to bring users along in understanding how those systems work.

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Founded in 2018, OPay has grown into one of Nigeria’s most visible digital payment platforms. It offers services that include money transfers, bill payments, card services, airtime and data purchases, as well as merchant payments for businesses across the country. Its appeal has largely been built on speed, accessibility, and a network that works across different income levels and locations.

Beyond convenience, regulation has also played a role in building public confidence. OPay is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria and insured by the Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation, with coverage similar to that of commercial banks. In a climate where digital fraud remains a real concern, this regulatory backing continues to matter to users.

For many observers, the awards reflect how far OPay has come in a small number of years. From launching as a new entrant into an already competitive fintech space, it now stands as one of the most recognised platforms in the country. More importantly, the latest recognition places attention on the less visible work of cybersecurity, compliance, and user education.

Behind the awards are the millions of everyday users who rely on the platform to move their money safely. From market traders to young professionals and growing businesses, OPay has become part of daily financial life for many Nigerians. The recognition from the Tech Innovation Awards reflects how closely technology and trust are now tied together.

Meiza Nigeria