Nigerians Can Now Pay With Naira On Play Store, Says Google
In a significant move aimed at enhancing digital transactions and making app purchases more accessible for Nigerians, global internet search engine giant, Google, has partnered with Verve, Africa’s largest domestic card scheme. The collaboration allows Nigerians to make payments on Google Play Store using the local currency, the Naira.
This development comes as a timely relief for Nigerians, especially when banks in the country are grappling with meeting forex demands for international payments. With Google’s announcement, Nigerians can now utilize their Verve cards to seamlessly make purchases on the Google Play Store, effectively strengthening the digital ecosystem in the country.
Under this new arrangement, Google will process Verve transactions within Nigeria in Nigerian Naira (NG). These transactions will be treated as local transactions by the country’s banking institutions, making it easier for users to complete their purchases.
For Android users in Nigeria, this partnership provides a streamlined method to access and buy apps from the Google Play Store, thereby deepening the app economy in the nation. Anthea Crawford, the Head of Retail and Payment Partnerships at Google Play, expressed excitement about the collaboration with Verve, emphasizing that it would broaden Google Play access for more Nigerians. Crawford stated, “The introduction of local payments with Verve cards is a significant milestone, enabling more Nigerians to participate in the app economy and access the apps they need.”
Vincent Ogbunude, the Managing Director of Verve International, highlighted the partnership’s significance in promoting financial inclusion. He mentioned that the integration with Google Play is a vital stride towards achieving Verve’s vision of bridging the digital divide and bringing digital content and services closer to Verve cardholders. With Verve’s expanding acceptance and reach in Nigeria, this collaboration contributes significantly to making digital services available to a broader segment of the Nigerian population. Users can effortlessly add their Verve Cards to their Google Play Accounts and pay in Naira, enhancing convenience and accessibility.
The partnership between Google and Verve simplifies the payment process for Google Play Store apps and services, creating a more inclusive digital environment for Nigerians. As the app economy in Nigeria continues to grow, this collaboration represents a promising opportunity for more users to engage in digital transactions and access a wide range of apps and services available on the Google Play Store.
In conclusion, Google’s alliance with Verve is a groundbreaking step towards advancing digital transactions in Nigeria and fostering financial inclusion. With this development, Nigerians can now enjoy a seamless and localized payment experience on the Google Play Store, unlocking a new era of digital accessibility and convenience in the nation’s burgeoning app economy.
