Verve, Providus Bank Roll Out Naira Travel Card to Ease Payments for Inbound Visitors

Verve, Providus Bank Roll Out Naira Travel Card to Ease Payments for Inbound Visitors

Verve International has partnered with Providus Bank to introduce the ProvidusVerve Travel Card, a naira-denominated travel card designed to provide seamless, secure, and convenient payment options for inbound visitors to Nigeria. The card was unveiled in Lagos ahead of the peak holiday travel period popularly known as “Detty December.”

The product targets tourists, returning diaspora, business travellers, conference delegates and expatriates arriving in Nigeria. With the ProvidusVerve Travel Card, users can easily pay for transportation, hotels, dining, shopping, entertainment and other essentials without having to convert foreign currency or depend on cash. The card also works on select international merchant platforms that accept Verve, including Netflix and Google Play.

Beyond convenience, the card supports Nigeria’s cashless economy policy by reducing the need for physical currency and mitigating the risks of loss, theft, or fraud. Holders can make both online and in-person payments nationwide, enabled by Verve’s wide acceptance network.

Speaking at the launch, Paul Ohakim, Vice President, Issuing and Acquiring Management (Africa) at Verve International, said the innovation answers a longstanding need among travellers entering the country.

“The ProvidusVerve Travel Card is a timely solution for inbound travellers seeking reliability, security, and simplicity while navigating Nigeria. Whether for tourism, business, or festive activities, this card ensures a smooth financial experience from the moment visitors land,” he noted.

Ademola Adeniran, Divisional Head, Product Management and Solution Delivery at Interswitch, emphasized that the collaboration was driven by real consumer needs.

“This card supports everyday experiences — from booking rides and hotels to streaming, shopping and dining. It offers a secure, digital-first way to experience Nigeria without financial barriers,” he said.

The launch comes as Nigeria prepares for its busiest travel period of the year. With Verve’s payment infrastructure and Providus Bank’s digital capabilities, the travel card is expected to enhance visitor experience and strengthen the country’s tourism and creative sectors.

About Verve

Verve, powered by the Interswitch Group, is Africa’s leading payment card and digital token brand, offering secure, interoperable solutions across ATMs, POS terminals, and online platforms. The brand is accepted across multiple African markets and integrated with global digital services such as Google, Netflix, Spotify, AliExpress, Adobe, Temu and others. Through innovations like Verve Contactless, the brand continues to promote financial inclusion and digital commerce across the continent.