Financial technology company, OPay, has introduced a new security innovation, LocationGuard, as part of its continued push to strengthen user protection and digital trust in Nigeria’s fintech space.
Unveiled during the company’s MySecurity Campaign grand finale in Lagos, the LocationGuard feature is designed to offer users an additional layer of account protection through location-based authentication.
The innovation allows users to set a safe zone for their mobile device, ensuring that if their phone is moved outside that zone, such as in cases of theft or loss, the OPay account automatically locks. Only the registered Face ID can reactivate it.
According to Elizabeth Wang, chief commercial officer of OPay, the new feature underscores the company’s philosophy of placing customers’ safety and satisfaction at the heart of its operations.
“At OPay, one of our strongest values is putting the customer first and when it comes to customer priorities, security always comes first. We continue to invest heavily in technologies that protect users from any form of digital threat,” Wang said.
She explained that the fintech has built a series of in-house security solutions tailored to the Nigerian market, including Face ID authentication, Last Transaction Check, and USSD Lock, adding that the newly launched LocationGuard brings real-world practicality to mobile banking safety.
“Our promise is real security that adapts to real life. We know how common device theft or SIM swaps are in Nigeria, so LocationGuard was created to automatically protect users even before fraudsters can act,” Wang said.
The unveiling coincided with the climax of the MySecurity Campaign, a 10-week digital education initiative that ran across Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, and TikTok. The campaign aimed to raise awareness about fintech safety and encourage users to adopt OPay’s built-in security tools.
Over 15,000 participants won weekly prizes and OPay merchandise, while four grand prize winners: Onyinye Ekeogu, Greatness Ezeonwuka, Adegoke Oluwatoyin, and Charles Ihugba, each received N1 million for their creative content promoting digital security awareness.
According to Oluwaseun Imadi, OPay’s enterprise marketing manager, the new product represents a major milestone in the company’s innovation journey. “Every product we unveil is designed for real users and real experiences. Our engineers have studied the daily risks Nigerians face online, and we’re building digital protections that are both simple and effective. Innovation at OPay is not just about technology—it’s about trust,” Imadi said.
The launch event brought together fintech users, influencers, and entertainment figures including Funke Akindele, Broda Shaggi, Brain Jotter, and Layi Wasabi, who partnered with OPay to amplify security awareness among young Nigerians.
Broda Shaggi praised OPay’s efforts, describing LocationGuard as a “super important” tool in the fight against cybercrime. “Security is a big issue in Nigeria. Everyone wants to take what you’ve worked hard for. But with OPay’s security features, your money is safe,” he said.
Similarly, Funke Akindele applauded OPay for blending innovation with customer reward. “We work so hard for our money, so it’s comforting to know our bank is working just as hard to protect it. Rewarding customers weekly and giving N1 million grand prizes? That is huge,” she said.
With eight advanced security tools now in its portfolio, including Face ID, USSD Lock, and the newly launched LocationGuard, OPay says it remains committed to building safer and smarter digital experiences for millions of Nigerians.
“We will continue to innovate, continue to educate, and continue to protect our users,” Wang reaffirmed.
