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Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System’s (NIBSS) Instant Payment platform, NIP, has become Africa’s first and only Instant Payment System (IPS) to attain the “Mature level of inclusivity on Africa Nenda’s IPS Inclusivity Spectrum.
The historic recognition was announced at the 2025 State of Inclusive Instant Payment Systems in Africa (SIIPS) Report Launch in Ezulwini, Eswatini, marking a major milestone for Nigeria’s digital payments infrastructure and strengthening its position as a continental leader in real-time financial services.
According to AfricaNenda, the “Mature” classification is the highest ranking ever awarded to an African IPS and followed a rigorous assessment using its three-tier framework that evaluates inclusion, governance and user-centricity. The system measures how effectively an instant payment platform enables broad participation, low-cost access, interoperability, consumer protection, and ease of use for underserved and low income users.
Nigeria’s NIP distinguished itself through its high level of inclusion for fintechs and non-bank participants, strong consumer-protection standards, efficient dispute-resolution processes and robust 24/7 real-time accessibility. The platform’s simplified onboarding for underserved populations also contributed to its top-tier rating.
Speaking on the achievement, Premier Oiwoh, Managing Director/Chief Executive of NIBSS, said the recognition represents more than an award.
It recognises not just a system, but a vision for inclusive growth,” he stated. “It reflects our commitment to delivering payment infrastructure that is faster, safer, affordable, interoperable and accessible to every Nigerian.”
He noted that in the 14 years since its rollout, the NIP platform has transformed Nigeria’s payment landscape, becoming one of the world’s earliest successful real-time payment systems and inspiring similar modernisation efforts in developing markets. Industry experts describe the new accolade as a validation of Nigeria’s leadership in payment innovation and a significant boost to its reputation as a digital-economy frontrunner.
During the SIIPS event, NIBSS also showcased advancements on the National Payment Stack (NPS), Africa’s first ISO 20022-compliant national payment infrastructure. The NPS set to eventually replace NIP will deliver deeper interoperability, stronger security, instant settlement and intelligent routing, moving Nigeria’s payment ecosystem even closer to global standards.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) received recognition for its consistent strategic oversight and regulatory support, which NIBSS said has strengthened innovation, operational excellence and financial inclusion nationwide.
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