First Bank of Nigeria Limited Launches Naira Visa Debit Card for Local and International Payments

First Bank of Nigeria Limited has launched a new Naira Visa Debit Card designed to support both local and international transactions as the bank deepens its push into digital payments and expands access to cashless financial services across Nigeria.

The new card, introduced in partnership with Visa, is targeted at everyday consumers seeking a reliable payment solution for retail purchases, utility payments, online shopping and ATM transactions within and outside Nigeria.

According to the bank, the Naira Visa Debit Card is accepted across Point of Sale terminals, ATMs and online platforms connected to Visa’s global payments network, allowing customers to conduct seamless domestic and international transactions.

The launch comes amid Nigeria’s continued transition toward a cashless economy following regulatory efforts by the Central Bank of Nigeria to increase electronic payment adoption and reduce dependence on physical cash transactions.

Speaking on the development, Chuma Ezirim, Group Executive, eBusiness and Retail Products at FirstBank, said the card was introduced to simplify everyday payments while improving access to secure digital financial services.

“Everyday transactions should be simple, secure and rewarding. The Naira Visa Debit Card is designed to make life easier for our customers, whether they are paying for groceries, settling utility bills or shopping online,” Ezirim said.

He added that the card would help more Nigerians transition confidently from cash-based transactions to electronic payments while supporting the country’s broader financial inclusion objectives.

Visa also described the partnership as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s digital payments ecosystem and expand financial access across customer segments.

“A strong payments ecosystem is one that works for everyone,” said Andrew Uaboi, Vice President and Cluster Head, West Africa, Visa.

“The Naira Visa Debit Card extends reliable electronic payment access to everyday Nigerian consumers and demonstrates what a truly comprehensive card portfolio looks like for the Nigerian market,” he added.

The launch further expands FirstBank’s existing Visa card offerings, which already include premium and credit card products targeted at different income categories and spending needs.

Industry analysts say the continued expansion of debit card infrastructure could accelerate retail digital payments growth in Nigeria, particularly as online commerce, fintech adoption and mobile banking usage continue to rise across the country.

The card is available to eligible FirstBank customers through the bank’s branches nationwide.