‘FINANCIAL INCLUSION REQUIRES GRASSROOTS TRUST’ – ETRANZACT DRIVES AGENT-LED MODEL IN OGUN

Achieving meaningful financial inclusion in Nigeria demands more than just rolling out products — it requires building deep trust and leveraging community networks at the grassroots level, according to industry experts.

Olalekan Disu, Divisional Head of Financial Inclusion at eTranzact International Plc, made the assertion while reviewing the successful deployment of the company’s PocketMoni Business platform in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State. The initiative, in partnership with the local Zonal Community Development Committee, has onboarded over 1,000 agents and deployed thousands of terminals in underserved communities.

“Financial inclusion is not just about opening access to financial products; it is about creating opportunities and building trust within communities,” Disu said. By empowering local agents, the programme is stimulating economic activity, generating livelihoods, and bringing essential services closer to residents.

Residents can now perform cash withdrawals, transfers, and utility bill payments within their neighbourhoods without long-distance travel. Gboyega Adeleke, Chairman of the Obafemi Owode Zonal CDC, praised the model: “Today, those services are available within our communities through people we know and trust.”

The success in Ogun has encouraged eTranzact to replicate the community-led approach across other South-West local governments. The move supports Nigeria’s broader push toward a cash-light economy and aligns with national targets to expand formal financial services, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where trust gaps remain a major barrier.

Stakeholders believe such human-centred strategies will accelerate sustainable inclusion and digital adoption nationwide.