Uber Partners Nigeria’s Mobile Payment Platform Paga

Nigeria mobile payment platform, Paga has announced a partnership with technology company, Uber. The global company that has revolutionized the way people think about travel, which accepts payments for services via its app is looking to broaden its reach across Nigeria by making its services accessible to all commuters, irrespective of how they choose to pay.

Founded in San Francisco, California in 2009, Uber uses GPS technology to connect customers, also known as riders, to their nearest Uber verified driver-partner via smartphone technology.  Once the trip is complete the app automatically debits the riders registered card.  Part of Nigerian transport ecosystem since 2014, Uber has been successfully adopted by thousands of Nigerians looking for the seamless service experience it’s renowned for in over 645 cities in 67 countries across the globe.

In ensuring that the Uber customer experience remains unaffected by local preferences and regulations, the partnership between Paga and Uber gives riders the option to pay with Paga using a local debit card, without worrying about foreign currency exchange rates, or with cash into a Paga account. By visiting Paga on their mobile devices or downloading the Paga app, riders can still enjoy the convenience of cash free payments without the worry of additional charges.

Speaking on the partnership, Paga Founder and CEO Tayo Oviosu expatiated on Paga’s commitment…

“Our partnership with Uber is directly in line with our commitment to make payments convenient and easy for everyone. Uber riders can now enjoy the convenience of paying for their rides through their Paga accounts or a local debit card without worrying about the foreign exchange rate issues. We are also working on adding the functionality for riders to pay directly from their bank accounts for the ride. At Paga we are indifferent to the funding source of your transaction; we simply want to help you pay in the most convenient way. We are excited that Uber has partnered with Paga, and look forward to supporting the company’s rapid growth across Nigeria.”

Ebi Atawodi, General Manager of Uber Lagos went on to add “We are excited about our partnership with Paga to simplify and improve the payment experience for our riders and driver-partners. This partnership with Paga is built upon a shared vision that payments should be simple and convenient and both our companies are committed to working together to ensure a seamless experience for all customers. Partnering with Paga enables more Nigerians to access the Uber platform, many of which are not yet comfortable using their debit or credit cards. We look forward to providing more Nigerians with a safe, reliable ride at the touch of a button.

As the Nigerian economy continues to expand and attract foreign investment, it is more apparent than ever that the ability of companies like Paga to offer innovative and accessible payments solutions, that address unique local challenges, remains a key factor in maintaining these vital relationships and building a stronger economy.