On May 19 – 20, 2024 a viral message circulated across several WhatsApp platforms with the claim that Opay has announced leaving Nigeria’s market space, urging its customers to withdraw all funds within one month. The claim was contained in a WhatsApp broadcast message alongside a link to a website where the claim was likely retrieved from.
The WhatsApp broadcast message read: Breaking News: Opay Reportedly Announces Leaving Nigeria Market Space, Urges Customers to Withdraw All Funds Within One Month of Notice. In a surprising turn of events, the popular mobile payment platform Opay has allegedly announced its decision to exit the Nigerian market space. Opay has urged its customers to withdraw all funds from their accounts within one month.
Screenshot of the WhatsApp broadcast message
CLAIM: Did Opay Announce Leaving Nigeria Market Space, Urges Customers to Withdraw All Funds Within One Month?
Verification
CDD WAR Room found that OPay is licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and insured by the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) under the same coverage as other commercial banks. Founded in 2018, OPay says it is committed to deepening financial inclusion through technology and fostering shared prosperity. It offers a comprehensive financial service platform for payments, transfers, savings, loans, and other essential services. Additionally, OPay provides top-tier Point of Sells (POS) services for agents and acquiring services for merchants. Currently, OPay boasts tens of millions of users, agents, and merchants across Nigeria.
To verify the authenticity of the broadcast message, CDD War Room contacted the company via its Support line 02018888328 and its official X handle, On Monday, May 27, 2024, the Financial Tech company customer care representative, Emmanuel, debunked the claim, saying it is FALSE. According to the customer care representative, ‘’ Please be advised that the given information is false, our services use a robust and tested infrastructure to keep your funds safe. We assure our customers that we’ll continue to be their dependable financial partner.’’
Also, checks by CDD War Room show that the claim has been previously debunked on Opay’s official social media handles including X on May 7, 2024, and Instagram on May 7, 2024, respectively. It is pertinent to note that no credible media organization published the report.
VERDICT: FALSE
The claim that Opay announced plans to exit Nigeria is FALSE; the claim has been previously debunked by the company.