In a major relief for millions of Nigerian account holders, banks in the country have resumed international transactions on naira-denominated debit cards nearly three years after the service was suspended due to foreign exchange constraints.
Leading the way, United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Wema Bank have announced the restoration of international payment services on their naira cards, enabling customers to make foreign payments with ease once again.
The suspension, which began in 2021, forced many Nigerians to rely on dollar-denominated cards, virtual cards, or alternative fintech platforms to conduct transactions on international platforms like Amazon, Netflix, and Spotify. The resumption signals renewed confidence in the foreign exchange landscape and an attempt by banks to enhance customer experience.
In a message to its customers, UBA expressed its commitment to delivering a seamless and improved banking experience.
“We are pleased to inform you that all UBA Premium Naira Cards, including Gold, Platinum, and World variants, are now enabled for international transactions,” the bank stated.
“This means you can now use your Premium Naira Card for global payments — including online shopping, POS, and ATM transactions — with ease and flexibility. If you haven’t used your card recently, now is a great time to rediscover the convenience and prestige that comes with being a UBA premium cardholder.”
