Business and Brand
Verve hits 70 million payment cards in Nigeria, consolidates market leadership
Lagos, Nigeria, 15 October, 2024: Verve International, Africa’s 1st and largest domestic payments scheme, and an emerging reference-point in the burgeoning realm of domestic payment schemes globally, has again announced another remarkable new growth milestone, further consolidating its growing market share in Nigeria, in terms of payment card issuance and transactions.Verve Payment Cards in Nigeria, Africa’s largest consumer market and its pioneer country of issuance have now surpassed 70 million issued payment cards to date. This development comes 15 months after the scheme announced it had issued 50 million payment cards in Nigeria in July last year, translating to+40% growth in issuance volumes YoY.Over the last few years, Verve has grown to become the payment card of choice across various tiers of banking service and particularly within the burgeoning fintech/neobank space in Nigeria, on the back of significant strategic partnerships across commercial and microfinance banking spheres, as well as fintechs, OFIs and public sector due to sustained innovation and demonstrated understanding of the requirements of its local markets.As Africa’s premier and leading domestic payment cards scheme, Verve remains focused on addressing peculiar market challenges in Africa by providing secure and cost-effective payment options for individuals and businesses to exchange value, offering both virtual and physical cards that facilitate payment for an increasing number of international services in local currency. In the last 3 years, Verve has made significant progress in this regard, having achieved merchant acceptance with platforms such as Google, Spotify, Netflix, Showmax, Amazon Prime, Facebook, Microsoft, Uber, and Flywire , to mention a few, underscoring a strong resolve to continue to drive relevant partnerships that provide its users in Africa convenient opportunities to access global services in local denominations.Outside Nigeria, Verve cardholders are provided with the benefit of using the Verve card in Nigeria and over 21 other African countries, underscoring the company’s resolve to ensure the seamlessness of transactions across the continent, particularly for the critical mass of consumer demographics, whilst driving value and efficiency for African financial institutions. Particularly noteworthy, are rapidly expanding issuing and acceptance partnerships across East Africa, including major financial institutions including the 2 largest financial institutions KCB Group and more recently Equity Bank, in addition to a growing network of savings and credit societies (SACCOs) across Kenya and Uganda.Speaking on this latest business milestone Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Verve International, Vincent Ogbunude, asserted that Verve continues to provide innovative ways to make transactions and payment more secure and convenient for customers, not only in Nigeria across Africa and beyond, whilst providing unparalleled business value for business partners from both issuing and acquiring perspectives.In his words, “At Verve International, we continue to consolidate our delivery of global-standard payment solutions howbeit essentially tailored to economic and operational realities of the markets where we play across Africa, whilst leveraging value-adding partnerships that ensure we scale our impact and turbo-charge financial inclusion on the African continent. We are greatly delighted again at this point to celebrate another phenomenal milestone, having added 20 million new payment cards to our base in Nigeria, for which we are extremely appreciative of our issuing partners as well as our loyal cardholders…”It would be recalled that Verve, Africa’s largest domestic payments card and token brand recently launched the fifth edition of its Goodlife National Consumer Promo, a reward program designed to engage and reward its millions of cardholders. The promo, which runs from August 15 to December 31, 2024, offers instant discounts and rewards for Verve cardholders at selected merchants and retail outlets across Nigeria, including NNPC Retail Limited, Addide, The Place, Sweet Sensation and Chowdeck, among others.Verve international, a subsidiary of the Interswitch Group, Africa’s leading integrated digital payments and commerce enabler is the first EMV-certified pan-African domestic payment card scheme (a subsidiary of the Interswitch Group), issuing cards and payment solutions to individuals, issuers, and organizations; and remains committed to pushing the boundaries in terms of customer experience and payment possibilities.Cardholders have come to regard Verve as a safe, convenient and reliable payment solution for everything payment. Verve cards can be used across a wide range of payment channels like Point of Sale (POS) terminals, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), Agency banking channel, Web / eCommerce, and Mobile Apps.
NESCAFÉ, Nigeria’s leading coffee brand, is pleased to announce the launch of its nationwide Next Level Promo, running from April to June 2026. The campaign offers consumers over ₦80 million in cash and meaningful prizes that support entrepreneurial growth.During the campaign, consumers stand a chance to win cash, airtime, laptops, professional cameras, makeup kits, sewing machines, and access to exclusive masterclasses.Participation is simple: purchase any NESCAFÉ Original 3-in-1 promo pack from a participating store. Each pack contains a unique code. Dial *7022# and follow the prompts to enter your code for a chance to win.Winners will be selected through bi-weekly and monthly draws, giving multiple opportunities to win throughout the campaign period.Speaking on the launch, Jean Pierre Duplan, Category Manager, NESCAFÉ, said: “NESCAFÉ is deeply connected to the Nigerian hustle and the resilience it represents. We understand the discipline it takes to show up every day and keep pushing forward. The Next Level Promo is how we bring this understanding to life, helping you make your world while rewarding your everyday effort’’NESCAFÉ is more than a coffee brand; it is a daily companion that fuels focus, energy, and ambition for millions of Nigerians. Through this initiative, the brand continues to celebrate the everyday commitment consumers show in pursuing their goals.The prize pool reflects NESCAFÉ’s commitment to delivering real value, with rewards designed to support different aspects of consumers’ lives, from essential tools and learning opportunities to financial prizes that can make a meaningful difference.The Next Level Promo runs until June 2026. Consumers are encouraged to look out for NESCAFÉ promo packs nationwide and participate for a chance to win while enjoying their favorite coffeeAbout Nestlé NigeriaNestlé Nigeria is a leading food and beverage company committed to unlocking the power of food to enhance quality of life for everyone today and for future generations. With a wide range of products, including popular brands such as NESTLÉ PURELIFE, GOLDEN MORN, MILO, MAGGI and NESCAFÉ, Nestlé Nigeria is dedicated to providing nutritious and delicious food and beverages to consumers across Nigeria.
Business and Brand
Plateau Grocery Seller Wins ₦5 Million as Golden Morn Golden Hunt Rewards Nigerians
A small-scale grocery seller from Plateau State, Ejiofor Akujieze, has emerged the grand prize winner of ₦5 million in the Golden Morn Golden Hunt, a nationwide consumer campaign by Nestlé Nigeria that rewarded Nigerians with a total of ₦80 million in cash and prizes.Akujieze, who expressed surprise at his win, described the moment as life-changing. “It came as a shock to me. I won ₦5 million, and it will go a long way. I am very grateful,” he said, noting that the prize will support the expansion of his grocery business.The Golden Morn Golden Hunt, which commenced in January 2026, recorded strong participation from consumers across the country, with over 200,000 entries received. Designed around Golden Morn’s smaller, affordable pack sizes to encourage wider participation, the campaign made it easier for more Nigerians to take part. At the end of seven draws, a total of 16,324 winners emerged, receiving cash prizes ranging from ₦10,000 to ₦1 million, alongside airtime rewards and exciting items such as washing machines, MacBooks, iPhones, and 55-inch televisions, in addition to the grand prize.Speaking on the campaign, Omofasa Orhiunu, Category Manager, Healthy Cereals at Nestlé Nigeria, said the initiative was designed to connect more closely with consumers while giving them an opportunity to experience the brand.“Golden Morn has been part of everyday life for Nigerian families, and with the Golden Hunt, we wanted more people to experience that,” he said. “It gave both our loyal consumers and new ones the opportunity to enjoy a nourishing product that fits into their daily routines, while also being rewarded in a simple and accessible way.”Also speaking, Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria Plc, said the campaign reflects the company’s commitment to creating value for consumers beyond its products.“For over 40 years, Golden Morn has been nourishing Nigerian families and earning their trust,” he said. “The Golden Hunt was our way of recognising that trust and giving back in a way that is meaningful and inclusive. What has been most inspiring are the real stories behind the wins, how this has made a difference in people’s lives. That is what truly matters to us.”Golden Morn, a cherished homegrown brand, continues to provide wholesome nourishment made from carefully selected grains. It is enriched through its Grain Smart blend, which combines essential vitamins and minerals to support energy and overall wellbeing for individuals and families.Through initiatives like the Golden Hunt, Nestlé Nigeria continues to strengthen its connection with consumers while delivering on its commitment to providing accessible, nutritious food and supporting thriving communities across the country.
Business and Brand
Nestlé Nigeria Celebrates 15 Years of Impact with 20 Graduates fromFlowergate Technical Training Centre
Nestlé Nigeria is celebrating 15 years of impact with the graduation of twenty young
trainees from the Flowergate Technical Training Centre. This milestone reinforces
the company’s long-standing commitment to youth empowerment through the
development of technical and vocational skills among young Nigerians.
The Nestlé Technical Training Centre is part of Nestlé Needs YOUth, Nestlé’s global
youth initiative launched in 2013 to equip young people with skills, experience, and
opportunities to access meaningful employment, with a goal of reaching 10 million
youths worldwide by 2030.
Since its establishment in 2011 at Agbara Factory, the Nestlé Technical Training
Centre has equipped 309 young Nigerians with hands-on technical and vocational
skills across its three locations in Agbara, Flowergate, and Abaji. With an investment
of over ₦6 billion, the programme delivers an intensive 18-month curriculum that
combines theoretical learning with practical engineering training.
The curriculum provides comprehensive instruction in food technology, engineering,
and manufacturing operations, equipping trainees with the technical expertise
required to thrive in today’s industrial environment. This culminates in the
internationally recognized City and Guilds of London Technicians’ Certification,
significantly enhancing participants’ employability within Nigeria and beyond.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Mr. Wassim Elhusseini, Managing Director
and Chief Executive Officer of Nestlé Nigeria, emphasized the alignment of the
initiative with Nestlé’s core purpose “At Nestlé, our purpose is to unlock the power of
food to enhance quality of life for everyone today and for generations to come. It is
this purpose that drives initiatives such as this. Through the Nestlé Technical
Training Centre, we are investing in the future of our industry, our communities, and
the thousands of talented young Nigerians ready to grow and excel. Over the past 15
years, we have seen firsthand how this pipeline of talent has strengthened our
operations, built critical capabilities within the industry, and created meaningful
pathways for young people to thrive. We remain firmly committed to continuing this
journey, expanding opportunities, deepening impact, and empowering the next
generation of skilled professionals who will shape the future of our industry and our
nation’’
The Country Human Resource Manager Shakiru Lawal, highlighted Nestle’s broader
impact of the Nestlé Needs YOUth initiative under “At Nestlé, our youth development
work across Central and West Africa is guided by a simple belief: unlocking potential
through skills, opportunity, and real pathways to work. Through structured training,
apprenticeships, and strong industry partnerships, we are helping young people build
the skills they need to succeed in today’s workforce while also strengthening the
future of our industry. In Nigeria, this commitment comes to life through the Nestlé
Technical Training Centres. With an impressive 98% of graduates moving into
employment within Nestlé, the programme has become a key talent pipeline for the
business. Most importantly, it reflects our purpose of creating shared value through
industry knowledge, practical skills, and meaningful job opportunities.
In his speech, the valedictorian of the graduating set, Mr. Samuel Oladokun, spoke
on behalf of his fellow graduates, sharing a powerful testimony of the programme’s
impact “This training has gone far beyond building our technical skills. It has shaped
our discipline, strengthened our confidence, and prepared us in a real and practical
way for for us to perform in demanding industrial environments. As graduates, we
are leaving this Centre not only with technical competence, but also with a stronger
sense of responsibility, teamwork, and professionalism. We are grateful for the
opportunity we have been given, and we step forward with confidence, ready to
contribute meaningfully, grow in our careers, and make a positive impact wherever
we find ourselves.”
His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, the Akarigbo and Paramount
Ruler of Remo Land, who was ably represented at the event commended the
initiative for its positive impact on local communities and reaffirmed the support of
the community in sustaining such developmental programmes.
Professor Abayomi Adelaja Arigbabu, Commissioner for Education, Science and
Technology, Ogun State, also commended Nestlé Nigeria for its continued support of
government efforts in youth empowerment and skills development.
Other distinguished guests present at the ceremony included Regional Human
Resource Manager, Nestlé Nigeria, Antoinette Arkoh, Hon Wasiu Isiaka
Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Ogun State, Ms. Conny
Camenzind, Consul General of Switzerland as well as representatives from the
Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative
Association (NECA), and the Alliance for Youth initiative. They commended the
progress of the programme and reaffirmed their continued support for its success.
The Nestlé Technical Training Initiative remains a key pillar of Nestlé Needs YOUth
in Nigeria, a global initiative focused on capacity building for young people. Other
programmes under this umbrella include the Nestlé Nigeria Youth Development
Programme, Nesternship, and the Alliance for YOUth, all aimed at improving
employability and creating opportunities for young Nigerians to thrive.
l-End-
About us:
Nestlé Nigeria is Africa’s top food and beverage company, known for its quality,
excellence, and commitment to creating shared value. With a heritage of more than
63 years in Nigeria and its house-hold brands, the firm continues to ensure the
availability and accessibility of nutritious food and beverage products. In addition, the
firm supports the communities closest to its operations and takes action to safeguard
the environment through sustainable business practices.
With over 2,300 direct employees, 3 factories and 7 branch offices across Nigeria,
Nestlé produces and markets iconic brands including Maggi, Milo, Golden Morn,
Nestlé Pure Life and Cerelac.
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