Airtel Nigeria and FIRST Bank of Nigeria Plc have entered into an agreement to provide seamless mobile money services to millions of Nigerians.

The two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Lagos, pledging to combine their strengths to provide secure, convenient and user friendly mobile banking services to unbanked people via mobile phones.

“Partnering First Bank to bring mobile financial services to all corners of country further demonstrates Airtel''s commitment to Nigeria and supports the concept of borderless mobile telecoms services across the country”, said chief executive officer of Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Rajan Swaroop. 

‘Indeed, we are excited to partner with one of the biggest financial institutions in the country. This partnership will, without a doubt, assist us in realising our vision of empowering more Nigerians with innovative and affordable mobile financial services. At Airtel Nigeria, we are committed to creating value propositions that will delight, enrich and benefit our customers regardless of their income level and location.’ He added.

First Bank’s managing director/chief executive officer, Mr. Bisi Onasanya said “ mobile banking is hinged on three planks which are defined in terms of financial inclusion for the unbanked and the under-banked, person to person transaction in terms of sending and receiving money as well as retail payment for the purchase of goods and services”, said First Bank’s managing director/chief executive officer Bisi Onasanya.

“With over 600 branches and thousands of business partner outlets in strategic proximity to the people, coupled with over 1,500 ATMs including cash deposit ATMs, cardless and biometric ATMs, over five million active accounts and more than 1,200 point of sale terminals, First Bank has always been at the forefront of innovative financial services solutions”, he added.