Uche Cecil Izuora
The Managing Director of SystemSpecs Technology Services Limited (STSL), Demola Igbalajobi, has said that Nigeria’s financial technology (fintech) sector is one of the most advanced globally.
Speaking at the Nigeria GovTech Conference and Awards, organised by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, which was held recently in Abuja, Igbalajobi lauded the nation’s leadership in fintech innovation and its significant contributions to the global fintech ecosystem.
The conference, themed “Digital Innovation as a Catalyst for the Renewed Hope Agenda,” gathered government representatives, industry leaders, and technology experts to explore how emerging trends in ICT and the country’s burgeoning tech talent base can drive public service delivery and improve the lives of Nigerians.
Representing Dr John Obaro, Group Managing Director of SystemSpecs Holdings, during a panel session at the event, Igbalajobi highlighted Nigeria’s pioneering role in areas such as instant payments and multi-bank navigation with solutions like Remita, which enables users to seamlessly manage accounts across multiple banks.
“The Nigerian payment system is one of the most advanced in the world. Instant payments and multi-bank applications, like those we see with Remita, offer functionalities that many developed countries have only recently begun to implement. We often take these advancements for granted, but they are a testament to Nigeria’s innovative fintech landscape,” Igbalajobi remarked.
To provide a seamless user experience and effectively address the challenges faced in the government budgeting process, SystemSpecs Technology Services Limited also developed an e-budgeting and warranting solution. This reiterates the firm’s commitment to delivering solutions that contribute to the overall development of the nation and Africa at large.
He further emphasised the importance of collaboration between banks and fintech companies, stating that such partnerships are essential for the growth of both sectors. “Fintech firms may not hold funds, but they build solutions that leverage the infrastructure of banks. A healthy collaboration benefits both sectors and ultimately improves customer experience,” Igbalajobi noted.
Dasuki Arabi, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, in his welcome address, highlighted the critical role of digital transformation in achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda. “With the right technology and innovation, we can not only fulfil the mandates of the Renewed Hope Agenda but also create a more inclusive and prosperous society for all Nigerians,” Arabi noted.
Highlighting the unique strengths both the public and private sectors bring to the table, Igbalajobi emphasised that true progress can only be achieved when both sectors work in harmony to overcome challenges and foster innovation.
“Collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential. The private sector can introduce innovation, technology, resources, and talent. However, the government remains the largest player in our economy, hence, it is in the private sector’s best interest to work closely with the government. The government sets the rules, manages the processes, and controls many aspects of what we do, while the private sector brings expertise, technology, and resources. When both sectors collaborate effectively, it creates a mutually beneficial partnership that drives progress and fosters a win-win outcome for all.
Fintech relies heavily on robust infrastructure. Network reliability is crucial for seamless transactions, and government investment in this area will significantly enhance operational efficiency,” he added.
Reflecting on SystemSpecs’ more than three decades of industry leadership, Igbalajobi attributed the organisation’s sustained success to its strong commitment to corporate governance and compliance with regulatory requirements. “For over 33 years, our dedication to good governance, internal control, and compliance with government policies has kept us at the forefront of the fintech industry,” he stated.
As the Nigerian fintech sector continues its steady growth, Igbalajobi expressed optimism about the future, predicting that more Nigerian fintech companies will expand their operations across Africa in the coming years.