Google announced on Wednesday that Nigerians can pay on its Play Store using the local currency, naira. This follows a partnership with Verve, Africa's largest national card scheme, to make digital transactions on the Google Play Store easier and more convenient for Nigerians. Starting today, Google said Nigerians can use their Verve cards to make purchases on the Google Play Store, boosting the digital ecosystem in Nigeria. Coming at a time when banks in the country are struggling to meet the demand for foreign currency from their customers to pay international debts, this announcement comes as a relief to Nigerian buyers. app in the Google Store. Under the new agreement, Google will manage Verve's business in Nigeria. These transactions will be done in Nigerian naira (NG) and are considered local transactions by banking institutions in the country. As a result, every Nigerian with an Android device and a Verve card has a secure system to shop on the Google Play Store.
Improves the application economy Commenting on the development, Anthea Crawford, head of retail and payment partnerships at Google Play, said: “We are delighted to partner with Verve, expanding access to Google Play to more Nigerians. The introduction of local payments with Verve cards is an important step, allowing more Nigerians to participate in the app economy and access the apps they need. On his part, Verve International Managing Director Vincent Ogbunude said that the integration with Google Play is an important factor to achieve Verve's vision to increase investment. “We are excited to bring digital content and services closer to Verve cardholders, bridging the digital divide. As the leading payment card system in Nigeria, Verve's growing acceptance drives inclusion by extending digital services to a larger segment of Nigerians. By expanding this exciting opportunity, users can now add their Verve card to their Google Play account and pay in Naira, worry-free,” he said. He added that the new partnership simplifies the payment process for Google Play Store apps and services and contributes significantly to an inclusive digital environment for Nigerians.
Anthea Crawford, Head of Retail and Payment Partnerships at Google Play said: “We are thrilled to collaborate with Verve, expanding Google Play access for more Nigerians. 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.”
Managing Director of Verve International, Vincent Ogbunude stated that the integration with Google Play is a significant stride towards achieving Verve’s vision of promoting financial inclusion. “We are excited to bring digital content and services closer to Verve cardholders, hence bridging the digital divide. As a foremost payment card scheme in Nigeria, Verve’s expanding acceptance promotes inclusion by extending the reach of digital services to a larger segment of the Nigerian population. Maximizing this exciting possibility, users can now add their Verve Cards to their Google Play Account and pay in Naira, without stress,” he said.
