YOLA — Businesses and financial stakeholders in Yola backed the expansion of digital payment services as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted normal commercial activities and changed the way consumers and businesses conducted transactions. Stakeholders said wider access to electronic payments could help reduce physical contact while allowing commercial activities to continue under difficult conditions.
The pandemic had increased the need for alternatives to cash-based transactions. Restrictions on movement and concerns about physical contact encouraged some businesses and consumers to explore transfers, mobile banking and other electronic payment methods for everyday transactions.
Small businesses were among those adjusting to the changing environment. Traders and service providers who previously depended heavily on cash payments were increasingly considering digital options as customers sought safer and more convenient ways to pay. Stakeholders said the transition could also improve record keeping for businesses.
However, access to digital payment services remained uneven. Some residents lacked smartphones, reliable internet connections or sufficient knowledge of electronic payment platforms. Stakeholders said expanding digital payments would therefore require greater investment in connectivity, public awareness and digital financial education.
The cost of mobile data was another concern. Frequent electronic transactions could require customers and small businesses to spend additional money on internet access. Stakeholders urged service providers to improve affordability and reliability so that digital payment systems could become more practical for ordinary users.
Security was also identified as an important consideration. As more people adopted electronic transactions, stakeholders warned that users needed to be aware of fraudulent messages, suspicious links and other forms of financial abuse. They encouraged banks and payment providers to strengthen customer education and security measures.
Financial institutions were encouraged to simplify their digital services. Stakeholders said easy-to-use applications and reliable transaction systems would make it easier for first-time users to adopt electronic payments. Prompt resolution of failed transactions was also considered important for building public confidence.
The expansion of digital payments could also support businesses by making it easier to track transactions and manage income. Stakeholders said electronic records could help some small enterprises understand their cash flow and improve financial planning.
The pandemic also highlighted the role of digital payments in supporting remote commerce. Businesses that could receive electronic payments were able to serve some customers without requiring direct physical interaction. Stakeholders said this could become increasingly useful as businesses adapted to changing consumer behaviour.
Community awareness was considered essential to the expansion. Stakeholders called for financial institutions, businesses and community organisations to educate residents about available payment options and responsible digital financial practices.
The shift towards electronic payments was also expected to have longer-term implications for the local economy. Stakeholders said increased adoption could encourage more businesses to formalise transactions and connect with broader digital marketplaces.
As attention shifted towards implementation, stakeholders in Yola called for practical measures to improve digital payment infrastructure, strengthen consumer protection and increase public awareness. They said collaboration among financial institutions, businesses, telecommunications providers and government agencies would be necessary to expand access.
The COVID-19 pandemic had accelerated changes in consumer behaviour and business operations, and stakeholders maintained that digital payments could remain an important part of the local economy beyond the immediate crisis. They urged service providers and authorities to ensure that the transition was secure, affordable and accessible to a wider section of the population.