Financial technology company, OPay, has reassured its customers, merchants and business partners that it has no plans to shut down its operations in Nigeria, describing a viral message announcing its purported exit from the country as false. The company gave the clarification following widespread circulation of a message on social media claiming that OPay would cease operations from September 1 and proceed on an indefinite leave.
Speaking during a live town hall meeting in Lagos, OPay’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer, Dotun Adekunle, said the company remained fully operational and that its services continued to function normally. Adekunle urged Nigerians to disregard the shutdown message, stressing that it did not originate from OPay and that there had been no decision by the company to suspend or discontinue its Nigerian operations. He also urged customers to verify information through OPay’s official communication channels before making financial decisions.
The company also announced legal action against individuals accused of creating and circulating the false information. OPay’s Chief Legal Counsel, Akinfolabi Rokosu, said the company had involved the Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police Force in efforts to identify those responsible, adding that relevant evidence had been provided to the authorities. He said the action was aimed at protecting customers and maintaining confidence in Nigeria’s digital financial ecosystem.
OPay further reaffirmed its long term commitment to Nigeria, highlighting its continued investments in digital financial services, financial inclusion, education and youth development. The company said customers and merchants should continue using its services normally while relying on verified sources for information about its operations. Industry stakeholders also warned that false information concerning major financial technology platforms could undermine public confidence in digital payments and discourage Nigerians from using electronic financial services.