News March 5, 2022

UNIVASA LAUNCHES VERIFY AND PAY PLATFORM TO DIGITIZE PUBLIC

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-   Kickstarts drive to own scheme and provides insurance cover for drivers

Univasa, an indigenous ride-hailing company in Nigeria, has launched Verify and Pay, an innovative digital payment system to reshape the transport system in Nigeria and ease the payment system. Through verify and pay, passengers hailing a cab can scan the barcode on the taxi to confirm the details of the driver and the vehicle, input their destination to check and negotiate fares, and select preferred payment options such as card payments or USSD. The platform launched on Friday, March 4, 2022 at the Lagos State Taxi Driver & Cab Operators
Association, Oshodi was graced by the President of the association, high ranking members of
LSTDCOA, PEDPPA president Comrade Idris, representative of Universal Insurance plc, Mr. Ayodele Kumolu and Mr. Israel Ifedayo, Mizala tech partner. The Verify and Pay is a new face to transportation in Nigeria, it has currently been launched for the Lagos Yellow Cabs but will also cut across other forms of transport within the state, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt before the end of the year.

Speaking at the event, CEO of Univasa, Dr Ben Adeniyi said “The verify and pay platform initiative was born out of the need to be an “Enabler” to service providers and consumers. For us at Univasa, providing innovative services is at the helm of our operations and we continue to hold it as a top priority. As a driver partner with Univasa, you get to enjoy the convenience of receiving your payments instantly with our instant withdrawal feature, so “Cash or Card e no matter” as we like to say and for the riders, we are offering you a chance to own your experience while hailing a ride”. Mr Ayodele Kumolu, the representative of the Universal Insurance plc also spoke in details about their flexible insurance packages where drivers can apply and make payments in installments either a weekly, monthly or yearly package.
Additionally, Univasa rolled out its Drive to Own empowerment program, which allows drivers on the Univasa ride hailing app to pick a Univasa car as their vehicle of choice to work, make daily remittances for a duration of 18-24months, which will be deducted from their earnings from the app, and then the car is the driver’s.

The Univasa team also confirmed that the cars in the drive to own scheme have been insured with Universal Insurance plc and tech partners, Mizala, the insurance covers the car, third party and life. Univasa also has a package for drivers who meet the earning mark of NGN 200,000 in a month will automatically be beneficiaries of free insurance against the next month and others can also easily apply for comprehensive insurance on a flexible payment structure.
The yellow cab drivers expressed their excitement for the new initiatives by Univasa especially verify and pay platform as it will help them track their rides and also help to improve the reputation of the association as their riders will be more assured of their safety.
UNIVASA is a wholly-owned Nigerian Company that provides a one-stop solution to fulfil the daily needs of Africans via cutting-edge digital technology. Univasa launched its ride-hailing application in the later part of 2020 in Lagos with a partnership with the popular Lagos yellow cabs (LSTDCOA) with a campaign called “Baba dey Online” and has since expanded operations to Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Benin City, Akure, Ilorin; Kwara state and Abuja.
The Univasa User and Provider apps are available for download on Google Playstore and the
Apple AppStore.

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Nigeria Partners with UK’s Zander Corporation to Combat Desertification and Boost Agriculture

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In a move aimed at transforming agricultural practices and restoring degraded lands across Nigeria’s most vulnerable ecological zones, the Federal Government is set to enter into a strategic partnership with the United Kingdom’s Zander Corporation.

The decision was reached during a high-level meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, between Nigerian government officials and the management team of Zander Corporation, led by Lord Raymond Benedict Asquith, the 3rd Earl of Oxford and Asquith OBE, a member of the UK House of Lords.

Speaking at the meeting, the Nigerian government reaffirmed its commitment to afforestation as a core strategy in combating desertification, promoting sustainable land use, and ensuring long-term agricultural productivity. Officials emphasized the need for innovative biotechnology solutions to address the challenges of land degradation and food security in the country.

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Canon Miraisha Programme Expands Collaboration With Kings & Queens Art Academy in Nigeria to Empower Youth in Bariga and Makoko

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Canon Central and North Africa (www.Canon-CNA.com), the leading printing and imaging solutions provider, is pleased to announce the expansion of its inspiring collaboration with Kings and Queens Art Academy in Lagos, Nigeria, aimed at nurturing young talent. Building on the outstanding achievements of the previous year, in which 100 aspiring young students from Bariga in Lagos received training in photography and filmmaking, this year will see the initiative, under Canon’s Miraisha Programme, extend to Makoko community, one of the largest slum communities in Africa.

Embodying Canon’s corporate philosophy, “Kyosei”, which means living and working together for the common good, 120 young individuals from both communities will have the opportunity to receive photography and filmmaking training through a series of four comprehensive week-long workshops during March and April. This year’s increased participation rate, with an emphasis on gender balance, reflects Canon’s strong commitment to diversity and inclusive…

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7 Simple Ways to Get Paid on Time Without Chasing Customers

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Running a business in Nigeria isn’t just about providing quality products or services; it’s also about making sure you get paid on time. Too often, business owners find themselves chasing payments, sending repeated reminders, and struggling with cash flow gaps. According to a PwC report, 48% of Nigerian SMEs experience delayed payments, which can disrupt operations, affect salaries, and slow down business growth.

But the real cost of these delays isn’t just the stress of waiting—it’s the uncertainty it creates. Businesses struggle to plan ahead, restock inventory, pay workers, or even keep the lights on. Without predictable payments, expansion is nearly impossible, and owners are left firefighting short-term financial struggles rather than focusing on growth.

If you’re tired of chasing customers for money, here are seven simple ways to ensure you get paid on time—without the stress. The seventh tip includes a newly unveiled tech tool.

1….

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Nigeria Hosts Landmark International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit in Abuja

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In a historic move for the country’s digital and telecommunications landscape, Nigeria successfully hosted the inaugural International Submarine Cable Resilience Summit in Abuja last week. The summit, which focused on the protection and security of subsea cables, was organized by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy in collaboration with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC). The event gathered key stakeholders from around the world to address the pressing issue of subsea cable security, a critical component of global internet infrastructure.

Dr. Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, expressed his deep pride and appreciation for the trust placed in Nigeria to host such a significant global event. Reflecting on the summit’s importance, Dr. Tijani emphasized, “The significance of the trust placed in us to host an event of this nature is not…

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CBN Joins Global Leaders in London to Celebrate Women in Central Banking

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed its commitment to gender inclusion and women’s empowerment in the financial sector by participating in Citibank’s inaugural Women in Central Banking event. Held in London, United Kingdom, on March 10, 2025, the prestigious gathering brought together top female leaders from central banks, financial institutions, and policy-making bodies across the world in celebration of International Women’s Day.

The event provided a significant platform to recognize the increasing role of women in shaping economic policies, financial regulations, and monetary stability across different regions. It also highlighted the progress made in breaking barriers for women in financial governance while addressing the ongoing challenges of gender disparity in leadership roles within the global financial ecosystem.

Distinguished Female Leaders in Attendance

Among the prominent financial experts and policymakers present at the event were:

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Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON 2.0) Set to Address Customer Experience in AI-Driven Payment Ecosystem

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The highly anticipated Payments Forum Nigeria (PAFON) 2.0 is set to convene industry leaders, policymakers, fintech innovators, and key stakeholders to discuss the evolving landscape of digital payments, with a special focus on cybersecurity, trust, and regulatory compliance in the AI era.

PAFON 2.0, scheduled to take place on April 10, 2025 at the Function Room 1, Oriental Hotel, Lagos, builds on the success of its inaugural edition, solidifying its position as Nigeria’s premier platform for thought leadership in payments innovation.

This year’s theme, “Bridging the Customer Experience Gap for Financial Inclusion Using AI”, underscores the urgent need to safeguard digital transactions against emerging threats while ensuring seamless financial inclusion and innovation.

EBEHIJIE J. MOMOH, Chief Executive Officer, AfriGOPay Financial Services Limited, has been scheduled to present the keynote.

Other Speakers | participants are drawn the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN); e-Banking Heads;…

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FG Reinforces Commitment to Maritime Growth to Boost Coastal Trade, Job Creation

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In a significant move to revitalize Nigeria’s maritime industry, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to unlocking the sector’s full potential.

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, provided this assurance during a weekend meeting in Abuja with the Director-General and CEO of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola. The discussions centered on fast-tracking the deployment of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), a crucial initiative aimed at supporting the growth of indigenous shipping companies.

The meeting focused on unlocking financing for local shipowners, reinforcing the government’s commitment to expanding coastal trade, creating jobs, and strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global shipping industry. Key stakeholders emphasized the need for efficient utilization of the funds to ensure the CVFF delivers maximum impact and positions Nigeria’s maritime industry for long-term growth.

The renewed commitment to maritime sector development…

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NDPC Strengthens Judicial Sector with Data Protection Workshop

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In a significant step towards bolstering data protection awareness in Nigeria’s judicial sector, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has conducted a capacity-building workshop for Fellows and ICT staff of the National Judicial Institute (NJI). The workshop follows a recent high-level visit by NDPC officials to the NJI, reinforcing the commitment to enhancing data privacy and security within the judiciary.

Speaking at the opening session, the National Commissioner and CEO of the NDPC, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, expressed satisfaction with the swift implementation of this collaborative initiative. He underscored the crucial role of data protection and privacy for judicial officers and ICT professionals, emphasizing that safeguarding data is key to upholding the rights of Nigerian citizens.