Nigerians to Make Payments with Fingerprints, Face Scans as CBN Introduces Invisible Payments

• The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has unveiled plans to introduce biometric-driven and “invisible” payment systems that will allow Nigerians to make transactions using fingerprints, facial recognition and other biometric features.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has unveiled plans to introduce biometric-driven and “invisible” payment systems that could allow Nigerians to pay for goods and services using fingerprints, facial recognition, iris scans and other biometric features instead of traditional PINs, passwords or one-time passcodes.

The initiative, outlined in the Nigeria Payments System Vision 2028 (PSV 2028), is part of the apex bank’s strategy to build a more secure, inclusive and globally competitive digital payment ecosystem.

Under the proposed framework, Nigerians could soon make payments for transport fares, utility bills, subscriptions and retail purchases using biometric authentication. The system would also support automated “invisible payments,” where approved transactions are processed in the background while users receive notifications and receipts.

CBN Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, described an efficient payment system as one of the fastest ways to reduce poverty and improve financial inclusion across the country.

According to the vision document, biometric payments may be deployed across Point-of-Sale (PoS) terminals, ATMs, micro-ATMs, agent banking locations and wearable devices. The system is expected to simplify transactions, particularly for individuals who struggle with literacy or remembering card credentials.

The framework envisions a future where commuters can board public transport with a simple tap, utility bills are automatically settled after prior approval, and shoppers complete purchases without waiting at checkout counters.

CBN explained that biometric verification could occur either through devices where data is stored locally on phones or wearables, or through trusted payment terminals that authenticate users across multiple locations.

However, the apex bank warned that the success of the initiative will depend heavily on data privacy, consumer protection and public trust.

The document acknowledged concerns over the handling of sensitive biometric information, stressing that organisations must obtain clear user consent, maintain strong security measures and comply with Nigeria’s data protection laws.

CBN also warned that weak security systems could expose consumers to fraud, including the use of cloned fingerprints or facial images to impersonate users during transactions.

Beyond privacy concerns, the bank identified infrastructure challenges, including inconsistent internet access, incomplete BVN-NIN linkages and identity verification failures, as major obstacles that must be addressed before large-scale implementation.

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To support adoption, the roadmap proposes biometric-enabled PoS terminals, enhanced identity verification systems, agent training programmes and locally assembled smart devices with built-in payment applications.

The apex bank aims to achieve widespread deployment of biometric payment technology within the next five years, while maintaining high authentication success rates and strengthening consumer protection mechanisms.

While the technology promises faster and more convenient transactions, experts say public confidence in the security of biometric data will ultimately determine its success.

If implemented successfully, the initiative could mark one of the biggest transformations in Nigeria’s digital payment landscape, making fingerprint and facial recognition payments a common part of everyday transactions.