Abuja — In a landmark move set to redefine the way residents of the Federal Capital Territory pay for transport services, Zenith Bank Plc has partnered with Mastercard to introduce Mastercard PayPass for the Abuja Urban Mass Transit Company.
The initiative, which mirrors London’s contactless transport payment system, is designed to eliminate cash transactions across the city’s public transport ecosystem. Commuters will soon be able to board buses and pay seamlessly with a simple tap, making daily travel faster, safer, and more convenient.
At the heart of this innovation is Mr. Chinedu Okeke, the Project Manager and Zenith Bank’s representative for the scheme. Okeke successfully convened key stakeholders including the FCT Administration, Abuja Urban Mass Transit Company, Mastercard Africa, and Zenith Bank’s technology team to actualize the ambitious project.
Speaking at the stakeholder briefing, Mr. Okeke emphasized that the digital payment solution would enhance transparency, reduce revenue leakages, and improve commuter experience. “Our goal is to modernize Abuja’s transport payment system by leveraging global best practices and advanced financial technology,” he said.
Industry observers have hailed the move as a major milestone for Nigeria’s transport sector. By introducing Mastercard PayPass, Abuja joins a growing list of cities adopting contactless fare collection systems to simplify commuting and drive financial inclusion.
This initiative reflects a broader vision of financial innovation led by Chinedu Okeke, whose work is steadily positioning digital payments at the center of urban service delivery. By aligning global technology partners with local institutions, Okeke is demonstrating how collaboration can accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a cashless economy—particularly in sectors historically dominated by physical cash.
With the pilot phase expected to launch soon, commuters in Abuja are looking forward to a faster, safer, and more transparent transport experience. Analysts predict the model could be replicated in other Nigerian cities as public transport operators adopt digital solutions to meet rising commuter demands.
