When Did OPay Start in Nigeria? – Full History and Growth Journey
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| When Did OPay Start in Nigeria? |
If you have ever made quick transfers, paid bills, or bought airtime with your phone in Nigeria, chances are you’ve heard of OPay. But one question many people ask is: When exactly did OPay start operating in Nigeria? In this article, we’ll take a detailed look at OPay’s entry into Nigeria, its journey so far, and how it became one of the most popular mobile payment platforms in the country.
When Did OPay Launch in Nigeria?
OPay officially launched in Nigeria in August 2018. The company entered the Nigerian market with the goal of making financial services more accessible, especially for people who do not have access to traditional banking.
At the time of launch, OPay started as more than just a payment app—it offered multiple services such as bill payments, airtime purchase, and even ride-hailing services like ORide. Over time, the company focused more on its fintech (financial technology) services, which turned it into the giant we know today.
Who Owns OPay?
OPay is owned by Opera Limited, the company behind the popular Opera browser. Opera saw a huge opportunity in Africa’s growing mobile money market and invested heavily in OPay’s development and expansion.
You can read more about Who owns OPay here.
OPay’s Mission in Nigeria
When OPay launched in 2018, its mission was clear: to bring financial inclusion to millions of unbanked and underbanked Nigerians. By allowing users to send and receive money instantly through a mobile app, OPay removed the barriers caused by high banking charges, long queues, and the need to visit physical bank branches.
The Early Days of OPay in Nigeria
At first, OPay gained popularity through aggressive marketing and promotions. Many Nigerians remember when OPay gave huge discounts on ORide (its motorcycle ride-hailing service) and offered free or discounted airtime top-ups.
Some of OPay’s early services in Nigeria included:
- ORide – Motorcycle ride-hailing service
- OWealth – Investment platform for OPay users
- OFood – Food delivery service
- Airtime & Data Purchase – Quick mobile top-ups
- Bill Payments – Electricity, TV, and other utilities
Although some services like ORide and OFood have been discontinued, OPay remains focused on payments, transfers, and financial services.
How OPay Grew to Become a Household Name
Since its launch, OPay has experienced massive growth in Nigeria. Factors that contributed to its success include:
- User-Friendly App – Simple design that even first-time smartphone users can understand.
- Low Transaction Fees – Affordable transfer charges compared to traditional banks.
- Wide Agent Network – Thousands of OPay agents across Nigeria providing cash-in and cash-out services.
- Aggressive Marketing – Promotions, discounts, and referral bonuses helped OPay gain millions of users.
By 2023, OPay became one of Nigeria’s top fintech platforms, processing billions of naira in transactions monthly.
OPay’s Impact on Nigeria’s Fintech Industry
The arrival of OPay in 2018 disrupted Nigeria’s financial industry. It pushed traditional banks to improve their mobile apps and services. It also made mobile banking more accessible for small business owners, students, and rural communities.
Today, OPay offers:
- Instant transfers
- Airtime and data purchase
- Utility bill payments
- QR code payments
- POS terminals for merchants
You can download the OPay app here and start enjoying these services.
Conclusion
OPay started in Nigeria in August 2018, and in just a few years, it has grown into one of the most trusted and widely used financial service providers in the country. From its humble beginnings as a multi-service platform to becoming a fintech giant, OPay’s journey shows how technology can change lives and make financial transactions faster, cheaper, and easier.
If you haven’t tried OPay yet, now is a good time to download the app and experience the convenience it offers.
