Background on OPay’s Operations
OPay Digital Services Limited has been a significant player in Nigeria’s digital economy, providing various financial services and solutions. Prior to recent reports, the company enjoyed a reputation for compliance and transparency, operating its offices in major cities such as Lagos and Abuja without disruption.
Recent Developments
On March 12, 2026, reports surfaced claiming that the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) had sealed OPay’s offices due to alleged non-compliance with tax obligations. Specifically, these reports suggested that OPay was failing to adhere to the Value Added Tax and Company Income Tax requirements under the Nigeria Tax Act 2025. This narrative raised concerns about the company’s operational status and compliance with regulatory frameworks.
OPay’s Response
In response to these claims, OPay management issued a statement clarifying that their offices in Lagos and Abuja remain open and fully operational. They emphasized, “Our offices across Nigeria, including Lagos and Abuja, remain open and fully operational, and we continue to serve our customers, partners, and merchants without disruption.” This assertion directly contradicts the reports suggesting a shutdown.
Clarifying the Misunderstanding
OPay further explained that the notice referenced in the reports was a result of an industry-wide directive from the NRS, which requested payment platforms to display certain statutory charges separately. The company stated, “The suggestion that the notice indicates non-payment of taxes is therefore factually incorrect and misleading.” This clarification aims to address the misconceptions surrounding their tax compliance status.
Impact on Stakeholders
The implications of these reports extend beyond OPay itself, potentially affecting its customers, partners, and the broader digital economy in Nigeria. OPay criticized the selective nature of the reporting, which they believe distorts the facts and undermines the reputation of a company that has consistently demonstrated strong compliance and cooperation with regulators. They noted, “Such reporting not only distorts the facts but also appears calculated to undermine the reputation of a company that has consistently demonstrated strong compliance, transparency, and cooperation with regulators.”
Looking Ahead
As OPay continues to operate and serve its clients, the company remains committed to supporting Nigeria’s digital economy through secure and inclusive financial services. They have urged stakeholders to disregard the misleading reports about their operational status, emphasizing their ongoing compliance with all applicable tax obligations and regulatory requirements. OPay’s management reiterated, “For the avoidance of doubt, the information currently circulating online suggesting that OPay is shutting down or our offices have been shut down should be disregarded, as it does not reflect the true situation.”
While the reports regarding OPay’s office closures have created uncertainty, the company’s proactive communication and commitment to compliance highlight its resilience in the face of misinformation. Details remain unconfirmed, but OPay’s operational status and dedication to the digital economy remain steadfast.