Nigeria’s fast-growing digital payments sector will face a critical moment next month as regulators, banks and fintech firms meet in Lagos for the third edition of the Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON 3.0), amid rising concerns over access, regulation and trust.
The forum, scheduled for April 24 in Lagos, is expected to bring together more than 600 industry players and over 20 speakers, positioning it as one of the country’s key platforms for shaping the future of digital finance.
The gathering comes at a time when Nigeria’s payments ecosystem is expanding rapidly, driven by mobile technology and fintech innovation, but also facing challenges around financial inclusion, cybersecurity risks and regulatory alignment.
Organisers say PAFON 3.0 will create a rare opportunity for direct engagement between policymakers and private sector operators, with agencies such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) expected to interact with fintech startups, banks and telecom operators.
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“PAFON 3.0 is more than just a conference; it is a policy-industry dialogue designed to shape the future of our digital economy,” said Chike Onwuegbuchi, co-convener of the forum.
“Our goal is to ensure that Nigeria’s payment ecosystem remains fair, accessible and technology-driven, while putting the consumer at the centre of innovation,” he added.
A key focus of the event will be how to build a more inclusive payments system in a country where millions remain outside the formal financial sector despite strong growth in digital transactions.
One of the headline sessions, titled “Fair Digital Payments as a Catalyst for Deepening Financial Inclusion in Nigeria,” will examine how technology and policy can work together to expand access, particularly for small businesses and underserved communities.
Analysts say the outcome of such discussions could influence how regulators and operators address long-standing gaps in affordability, infrastructure and digital literacy.
The forum will also explore the growing role of artificial intelligence in financial services, including its use in fraud detection, customer experience and risk management, as well as the regulatory questions it raises.
Cybersecurity is expected to feature prominently, as increased digital adoption has heightened exposure to fraud and data breaches, putting pressure on both regulators and service providers to strengthen safeguards.
In addition to policy discussions, the event will include product exhibitions and live demonstrations, where companies will showcase new innovations ranging from digital wallets to advanced point-of-sale systems.
Industry participants will also engage in business-to-business meetings aimed at forming partnerships across the payments value chain, including merchant aggregators and infrastructure providers.
Organisers say the forum is designed not only to highlight innovation but also to address tensions within the ecosystem, particularly around balancing rapid growth with consumer protection and fair access.
Nigeria is widely seen as one of Africa’s leading digital payments markets, but stakeholders say sustaining that position will depend on stronger collaboration between regulators and industry players.
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PAFON 3.0 is powered by TechCastle Foundation and supported by Techeconomy, a technology and business analysis platform.
Registration for the event is open to stakeholders across finance, technology and the media, as discussions intensify over how to steer one of the country’s most dynamic sectors at a pivotal stage of its development.
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