OPay Wins Digital Bank and Financial Inclusion Awards at BAFI 2026
OPay secured the Digital Bank of the Year and Financial Inclusion Leader of the Year titles at the 14th BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions Awards on 9 October 2026 in Lagos, recognising its extensive reach and multi‑channel services.
By Lawal Ayo, Editor & Founder · Published 15 Oct 2026, 09:15 WAT
Awards ceremony The 14th BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards took place on 9 October 2026 at the Civic Centre in Lagos. Nigerian digital bank OPay was announced as the winner of both the Digital Bank of the Year and Financial Inclusion Leader of the Year awards.
OPay’s market presence OPay is described as a leading digital bank in Nigeria, with a user base that reaches tens of millions and a network that supports more than a million merchants and businesses. The company offers financial services across several channels, including mobile, USSD, cards, wallets and agency banking, which helps to reduce barriers for underserved communities.
Focus on inclusion The dual recognition highlights OPay’s commitment to expanding access to formal financial services. By combining technology with a multi‑channel delivery model, the platform enables individuals, small businesses and merchants to carry out everyday transactions more securely and conveniently.
Leadership remarks During the ceremony, OPay’s Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer, Dotun Adekunle, expressed gratitude toward BusinessDay for acknowledging excellence in Nigeria’s financial sector. He emphasised that the awards reaffirm the company’s focus on reliability, security and value creation for Nigerians.
Industry impact The awards underscore OPay’s role in Nigeria’s digital financial ecosystem. Its nationwide network of merchants and agents connects a growing number of users to digital services, thereby supporting broader participation in the formal economy.
Future outlook OPay continues to prioritise customer experience, trust and innovation. The company aims to simplify everyday financial activities and expand its reach, reinforcing its position as a key player in the country’s financial inclusion journey.
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