Airtel Nigeria is collaborating with Wari, a payment solution provider to provide an innovative payment platform for Nigerians. The telecom operator said the move is part of its contribution towards Federal Government’s efforts to deepen financial inclusion in the country. Wari allows users to make payment for goods and services, buy airtime, pay bills, deposit cash and make withdrawals within the country or outside. It can also be used to transfer money and remit through accredited agents across Nigeria, and the service is available to anyone irrespective of whether they are account holders or not. Speaking on the innovative service, Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Maurice Newa described Airtel’s partnership with Wari as a collaboration of two forward-thinking brands, coming together to offer accessible and convenient payment service to millions of Nigerians, helping them carry out their day-to-day transactions seamlessly. “‘Wari is designed to meet the needs of Nigerians, including the banked and unbanked; everyone who needs to make or receive payment for good and services. It also reduces the risk of carrying cash while travelling since you can deposit and withdraw at your destination through Wari agents, whether within the country or outside Nigeria,” Newa noted. In his own remarks, “Mr Damilola Bamiro, Country Manager, Wari Nigeria, says that the partnership will strengthen Wari’s local presence in all the local governments in Nigeria. This strategic plan will greatly increase access to financial services of the various institutions, especially to the unbanked”. According to him, “Wari as an African grown agent network has always ensured the best user experience, taking into consideration all local peculiarities and cultures. This, it has done in its 23 countries of presence”. As part of the partnership, Airtel Nigeria is expected to identify potential Wari agents across the country for the purpose of providing the product and services. To start using the Wari, Airtel subscribers and non-subscribers can visit any designated Wari agent in their locality and request for the services, the agent will then facilitate the specific transaction on behalf of the customer. Both customer and Wari agent will receive alerts as confirmation of the transaction carried out. Wari is a payment solution company with presence in 23 African countries and in partnership with licensed commercial banks in Nigeria to drive merchant payments through Wari platform under the brand name “Wari”.
