First Bank of Nigeria Limited, in partnership with global payments firm Visa, has launched the Visa Signature Card and the Naira Visa Debit Card, a dual product rollout aimed at transforming the digital payment landscape across diverse customer segments.
The strategic launch introduces advanced payment flexibility, most notably through the premium Visa Signature Card, which features multi-currency functionality embedded into a single chip.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremony in Lagos, the Head of Cards and Messaging Services at First Bank, Obianuju Ondo-Okereke, said the move would enhance the bank’s customer-centric approach.
She said, “Today marks a key milestone as we launch the Visa Signature and the Naira Visa Debit Cards, designed to deliver seamless, secure, and globally connected payment experiences to our customers.
“Our dual offering is purposely designed—the Visa Signature Card is for the affluent segment, while the Naira Visa Debit Card is for everyday customers requiring convenience, accessibility, and global usability.”
According to the bank, the signature card automatically defers to local currencies based on the user’s location, seamlessly switching between the naira, US dollar, British pound, and euro. “It also grants cardholders premium lifestyle privileges, including 24/7 concierge services, international airport lounge access, travel insurance, and emergency medical assistance,” the bank stated.
On his part, the Vice President and Cluster Head for Visa West Africa, Andrew Uaboi, emphasised that the collaboration was built around supporting the unique lifecycle of the modern consumer.
Uaboi said, “The partnership between Visa and First Bank demonstrates our shared commitment to catering for the diverse needs of the customers that the bank has today.
“Together with these two products, we are underscoring that we understand the financial journey that every customer needs to go through, putting in place products and solutions that meet them at each stage.”
Addressing security and accessibility concerns raised during the event, First Bank confirmed that the new cards utilise state-of-the-art chip-and-PIN technology.
The financial institution noted that while the mass-market Naira Visa Debit Card is available instantly across all nationwide branches for a CBN-regulated fee of N1,000, the premium Visa Signature Card features a standard daily transaction limit of N3m, which is adjustable upon request.
The premium card will be delivered within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the customer’s location.
Also speaking, the Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications at First Bank, Yinka Ijabiyi, expressed gratitude to partners for driving awareness around Nigeria’s ongoing financial evolution.
Ijabiyi said, “The product that we’ve launched here today is also for you. We’re expecting to write about it, but we’re also expecting to get it, experience it and enjoy it.
“We look forward to continuing our ongoing partnerships, and we’ll definitely be in touch on an ongoing basis.”
