At the National Day of Identity 2025 event held in Abuja, Nigeria, Dr. Ebehijie Momoh, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AfriGOPay Financial Services Limited (AFSL), emphasized the transformative potential of linking identity systems to critical infrastructure for fostering trade both within Nigeria and across international borders. Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Newsdirect Business Desk, Dr. Momoh underscored the pivotal role that a robust identity framework plays in building trust, enabling seamless financial transactions, and promoting economic growth across Africa.
Identity as the Bedrock of Trust in Trade
Dr. Momoh, who moderated the first panel session at the event themed “Cross-Border Trades for Africa,” articulated the critical importance of identity in facilitating trade, particularly in a globalized economy where businesses increasingly operate across borders. “Identity is at the heart of trust,” she stated. “When you’re engaging in trade with someone outside your borders, the first thing you need to establish is who you’re dealing with. A reliable identity system ensures that the person or entity on the other side of the transaction is verifiable and trustworthy.”
This trust, she explained, is foundational for fostering economic relationships in an era where cross-border commerce is becoming a cornerstone of global economies. For Africa, a continent with 54 nations, each with its own unique economic systems, currencies, and regulatory frameworks, the challenge of establishing trust is even more pronounced. Dr. Momoh highlighted that linking identity systems to financial and commercial infrastructures could unlock unprecedented opportunities for trade, enabling African businesses to compete more effectively on the global stage.
“By integrating identity systems with existing infrastructures, we can facilitate smoother and more secure trade activities,” she said. “It’s not just about knowing who someone is; it’s about ensuring that the systems supporting trade—such as payment platforms, banking networks, and logistics—are interconnected and built on a foundation of verified identities. This creates a seamless ecosystem where businesses can thrive, whether they are operating locally or engaging with partners thousands of miles away.”
The Role of Identity in Unifying Africa’s Diverse Currencies
Africa’s economic landscape is characterized by a multiplicity of currencies, with each country maintaining its own monetary system. This diversity often complicates cross-border transactions, as businesses must navigate exchange rates, regulatory differences, and varying levels of financial infrastructure development. Dr. Momoh, drawing on her extensive experience as the former Senior Vice President and Country Head of West Africa at MasterCard, emphasized that identity systems could serve as a unifying force in this fragmented economic environment.
“In Africa, we are dealing with 54 different currencies, each governed by its own central bank and regulatory framework,” she noted. “This creates significant barriers to trade, as businesses must contend with currency conversion, fluctuating exchange rates, and the risk of fraud. A robust identity system acts as a bedrock for overcoming these challenges. It ensures that transactions are secure, transparent, and traceable, regardless of the currency or country involved.”
Dr. Momoh praised the efforts of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), under the leadership of Dr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, for its transformative work in building Nigeria’s national identity infrastructure. She highlighted the milestone of enrolling over 123 million Nigerians for their National Identity Number (NIN), describing it as a “significant achievement” that is paving the way for greater financial inclusion across the country.
“NIMC’s work is nothing short of remarkable,” she said. “By providing over 123 million Nigerians with a unique identifier, they are creating the foundation for a more inclusive economy. This is particularly important for underserved populations—such as rural women and small-scale entrepreneurs—who have historically been excluded from formal financial systems. With a verified NIN, these individuals can access banking services, secure loans, and participate in trade, both locally and internationally.”
AfriGo’s Partnership with NIMC: Driving Financial Inclusion
As the Managing Director of AfriGOPay Financial Services Limited, Dr. Momoh outlined how her organization is collaborating with NIMC to leverage Nigeria’s identity infrastructure for financial empowerment. AfriGo, Nigeria’s national domestic card scheme, is working closely with NIMC to ensure that every individual with an NIN can access seamless payment solutions, thereby fostering greater transparency and accountability in financial transactions.
“At AfriGo, we are riding on the shoulders of NIMC to ensure that every identity number issued translates into real economic opportunities,” she explained. “Our goal is to enable payments for every Nigerian, regardless of their location or socioeconomic status. By linking the NIN to our payment systems, we are creating a framework where financial interventions—such as government subsidies or microfinance loans—can be delivered directly to the intended recipients with full transparency.”
This partnership, Dr. Momoh noted, is particularly significant in addressing the challenges of financial exclusion in rural areas. “In many parts of Nigeria, there are individuals who are virtually invisible to the formal economy,” she said. “These are people who lack access to bank accounts, credit facilities, or even basic identification documents. By integrating the NIN with our payment platforms, we are ensuring that a woman in a remote village or a small-scale trader in a rural market can be identified, verified, and empowered to participate in the economy.”
Transparency and Accountability in Payments
One of the key benefits of linking identity systems to payment infrastructure, according to Dr. Momoh, is the enhanced transparency and accountability it brings to financial transactions. She highlighted how AfriGo’s domestic card scheme is revolutionizing the way payments are processed in Nigeria, ensuring that funds reach their intended recipients quickly and securely.
“When government interventions or financial aid are distributed, there is often a lack of clarity about who is receiving the funds and how they are being used,” she said. “With AfriGo’s payment solutions, we can track every transaction, from the moment the funds are disbursed to the point where they are spent. This level of accountability is critical for building trust in the system and ensuring that resources are used effectively.”
Dr. Momoh provided a practical example of how this transparency works in practice. “Imagine a government program that provides financial support to small-scale farmers,” she said. “With AfriGo cards linked to NINs, we can ensure that the funds are transferred directly to the farmers’ cards, allowing them to access the money instantly. We can also track how the funds are spent—whether on seeds, fertilizers, or other agricultural inputs—ensuring that the intervention achieves its intended purpose.”
AfriGo’s Innovative Solutions: Instant Credit and Beyond
In addition to promoting transparency, AfriGo is introducing innovative financial products designed to address the unique challenges faced by Nigerian businesses and consumers. One such innovation is the introduction of “instant credit,” a feature that allows merchants to receive payments immediately when customers use AfriGo cards at point-of-sale (POS) terminals.
“With our instant credit feature, merchants no longer have to wait days or weeks to receive their funds,” Dr. Momoh explained. “When a customer uses an AfriGo card at a POS terminal, the merchant receives the funds instantly. This is a game-changer for small businesses, as it improves their cash flow and allows them to reinvest in their operations without delay.”
She provided a relatable example to illustrate the impact of this feature. “Take Mama Nduka, a market trader who sells groceries,” she said. “With instant credit, she can collect her payments immediately after a sale, allowing her to restock her inventory and continue her business without interruption. This kind of innovation is critical for expanding working capital and empowering small-scale entrepreneurs.”
AfriGo’s commitment to solving local challenges extends beyond instant credit. The company recently partnered with Cowry Card, a Lagos-based payment platform, to streamline transportation payments in Nigeria’s commercial capital. This collaboration allows commuters to use a single card for multiple purposes, including paying for bus, train, and waterway transport, as well as making purchases at retail outlets.
“In Lagos, transportation is a major challenge, with millions of people relying on buses, trains, and ferries to get around,” Dr. Momoh said. “Through our partnership with Cowry Card, we’ve created a seamless payment solution that allows commuters to use the same card to pay for their transport and buy items like snacks or drinks at the station. This eliminates the need to carry multiple cards or cash, making life easier for Nigerians.”
A Call to Action: Embracing the AfriGo Card
Dr. Momoh concluded her remarks with a passionate call to action, urging Nigerians to embrace the AfriGo card and register for their NIN to unlock the full benefits of the country’s identity and payment infrastructure. “My message to Nigerians is simple: go to your bank and get your AfriGo card,” she said. “This is the first time in Nigeria’s history that we have a card that is 100 percent domestic, designed specifically to address the unique financial challenges faced by our people.”
She emphasized that the AfriGo card is more than just a payment tool—it is a solution to real-world problems. “Whether you’re a small business owner, a rural farmer, or an urban commuter, the AfriGo card empowers you to participate fully in the economy,” she said. “It’s about giving Nigerians the tools they need to solve their financial issues, no matter where they are.”
Dr. Momoh also commended NIMC for its efforts in expanding Nigeria’s identity infrastructure and encouraged citizens to take advantage of the NIN registration process. “A verified identity is the key to unlocking economic opportunities,” she said. “By registering for your NIN, you’re not just getting a number—you’re gaining access to a world of possibilities, from financial services to cross-border trade.”
The Broader Implications for Africa
While Dr. Momoh’s remarks focused primarily on Nigeria, she also highlighted the broader implications of identity systems for the African continent as a whole. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) gaining momentum, the need for robust identity and payment infrastructures has never been greater. AfCFTA, which aims to create a single market for goods and services across Africa, relies heavily on trust and interoperability between countries.
“Identity is the glue that holds cross-border trade together,” Dr. Momoh said. “As African nations work together to implement AfCFTA, we need systems that allow businesses to verify their counterparts, process payments securely, and comply with regulations across borders. This is where identity systems, combined with innovative payment solutions like AfriGo, can make a significant impact.”
She also pointed out that Africa’s young and dynamic population presents both an opportunity and a challenge. “Africa has one of the youngest populations in the world, with millions of people entering the workforce every year,” she said. “To harness this demographic dividend, we need to ensure that our youth have access to the tools and opportunities they need to succeed. Identity systems are a critical part of this equation, as they enable financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, and cross-border collaboration.”
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
Despite the progress made by NIMC and AfriGo, Dr. Momoh acknowledged that significant challenges remain. One of the biggest hurdles is ensuring that identity and payment systems are accessible to all Nigerians, particularly those in remote or underserved areas. “We cannot leave anyone behind,” she said. “Whether it’s a farmer in a rural village or a trader in a bustling market, everyone deserves access to the tools that will empower them to thrive.”
To address this challenge, AfriGo is working to expand its reach through partnerships with banks, microfinance institutions, and other stakeholders. “Our goal is to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of their location or economic status, can benefit from our services,” Dr. Momoh said. “This requires collaboration with a wide range of partners, from government agencies to private sector players.”
Another challenge is the need to build public trust in digital payment systems. While Nigeria has made significant strides in adopting digital financial services, many Nigerians still prefer cash transactions due to concerns about security and reliability. Dr. Momoh emphasized that education and awareness campaigns are critical for overcoming these barriers. “We need to show Nigerians that digital payments are safe, convenient, and empowering,” she said. “By demonstrating the value of tools like the AfriGo card, we can build trust and drive adoption.”
Looking to the Future
As Nigeria and Africa continue to embrace digital transformation, the role of identity systems in enabling economic growth cannot be overstated. Dr. Momoh expressed optimism about the future, citing the progress made by NIMC, AfriGo, and other stakeholders in building a more inclusive and interconnected economy.
“We are at a turning point in Nigeria’s economic history,” she said. “With the right infrastructure, partnerships, and innovations, we can create a financial system that works for everyone. At AfriGo, we are committed to being at the forefront of this transformation, empowering Nigerians to seize the opportunities of the digital age.”
In conclusion, Dr. Ebehijie Momoh’s remarks at the National Day of Identity 2025 event underscored the critical importance of identity systems in driving trade, financial inclusion, and economic empowerment across Nigeria and beyond. Through its innovative solutions and strategic partnerships, AfriGo is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of Nigeria’s financial landscape, one transaction at a time.
