Opay has rolled out a robust suite of advanced security features aimed at giving customers greater control and protection over their funds, reaffirming its commitment to safety, innovation, and customer trust in Nigeria’s growing digital finance ecosystem.

Speaking at a briefing to announce the new security upgrades and eward winners of the Opay Security Challenge, Chief Commercial Officer of Opay, Elizabeth Wang, said the initiative was part of the company’s long-term strategy to make financial services “more accessible and safer” for millions of Nigerians.

“Our users are always first. We prioritise safety and continuous innovation,” Wang said. “Opay has invested heavily in fund security and built a responsive customer care team that is available 24/7 to attend to customers.”

Among the standout innovations is Face ID verification, a pioneering security feature in Nigeria’s fintech sector that requires facial authentication for large transactions and late-night transfers.

Wang explained that the Face ID security system has been active for 10 weeks, providing “extra layers of protection for what matters most.”

Among the standout innovations is Face ID verification, a pioneering security feature in Nigeria’s fintech sector that requires facial authentication for large transactions and late-night transfers.

Wang explained that the Face ID security system has been active for 10 weeks, providing “extra layers of protection for what matters most.”

The company also launched the USSD Lock, an emergency protection feature that allows customers to instantly block their accounts or cards if their devices are lost or compromised.

Nollywood actress and brand influencer Funke Akindele described the development as forward-thinking: “Opay is being innovative, thinking ahead to protect customers’ funds. They’re always looking for ways to secure users’ money. I encourage them to keep prioritising safety and customer experience.”

Content creator Samuel Perry (popularly known as Brother Shaggi) also praised the initiative:

“With the rise of mobile transactions, real-time security tools like Face ID and USSD locks are crucial. They don’t just protect users; they strengthen the entire fintech ecosystem.”

Skit maker Layi Wasabi noted that the upgrades could set a new benchmark for digital payment security in Nigeria, “especially at a time when online fraud remains a serious concern.”

Comedian Brain Jotter commended Opay for not only protecting customer funds but also educating the public about safe transaction practices.

The event also marked the grand finale of the Opay Security Challenge, a 10-week campaign designed to raise awareness of the brand’s in-app safety tools.

Over the weeks, several participants had won N50,000, while the final four winners each walked away with N1 million.

Grand Prize Winners were: Instagram: Onyinye Mercy Ekeogu; X (formerly Twitter): Ezeonwuka Greatness; TikTok: Charles Chinaemere Ihugba; Facebook: Adegoke Oluwatoyin Adewunmi

Oluwaseun Imade, Enterprise Marketing Manager at Opay, explained that the challenge encouraged users to engage with and vote for their favorite security features.

“Opay’s mission has always been to make financial services more inclusive through technology. The seven security features — Scam Alert, Night Guard, Large Transaction Shield, Online Subscription Control, USSD Lock, Large Transaction Double Check, and Emergency Lock — were created with users in mind,” Imade said.

“We’re not just rewarding participation; we’re shaping a safer digital environment for millions of Nigerians.”

Winners expressed their excitement and appreciation.

Onyinye Mercy Ekeogu said the campaign deepened her trust in Opay, while another participant, Etudo, whose video went viral on TikTok, said he initially did not believe he could win.

Wang concluded the event by reaffirming the company’s unwavering commitment to innovation: “We are not just building features; we are building trust. Our mission is to make every transaction safer, faster, and more reliable.”

Industry analysts note that Opay’s new security framework is a significant leap forward in customer protection and could influence how other fintech players approach digital safety in Nigeria’s dynamic financial landscape.