The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Nigerian Inter-Bank settlement System (NIBSS) and representatives of deposit money bank last week presented cheque prizes to winners in the Electronic Payment Incentive Scheme (EPIS) promotional draw.
The winners who are e-payment cardholders of Guarantee Trust Bank, Ecobank and Diamond bank are Adeyinka Adejuwon, first prize winner who won N100,000, Julie Ukwosah, first runner up smiled home with N50,000 and Jerry Mensah, second runner up won N15,000.
In order to drive the universal usage of electronic payments in Nigeria, the management of the CBN approved an industry-wide incentive scheme and awareness campaign for electronic payments for stakeholders and users.
Christabel Onyejekwe, executive director, business development, NIBSS, explained that the scheme is primarily focused to reward users of electronic payment in Nigeria and to further encourage greater adoption by all.
The incentive scheme tend to reward and appreciate usage across all channels with emphasis on electronic payments that promote financial inclusion by aiming to identify and reward the cardholders, merchants and sales persons.
Speaking at the official presentation of prizes, Isah Abubakar, representative of director of banking and payments system deparment, CBN, expressed satisfaction over the progress made on EPIS and thanked all stakeholders in the scheme.
He reiterated the CBN’s commitment towards supporting the scheme, adding that it will help minimize corruption in the country.
Tunde Kuponiyi, chairman, Committee of e-Banking Industry Heads (CeBIH) said the scheme is a laudable programme, which will reduce the stress attached towards cash. “For us in the banking, it is welcome development”, he added.
Adejumo, the first prize winner said he was shocked and skeptical when he received a call announcing him as the winner. “please let everybody shop with his or her card. We don’t accept cash in my office”, he said.
The EPIS idea was first conceived in March 2013 which was followed by workshop in December 2013 driven by NIBSS amongst other key stakeholders including banks, PTSPs and several card schemes. Following the submission of the proposal CBN approved the EPIS in September 2014 with with implementation in November 2014.
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