Access Bank Plc has taken a significant step towards bolstering financial inclusion in Nigeria with the unveiling of its offline banking platform, 901.ng. Launched in collaboration with RemitPlus, a pioneer in offline banking solutions, the initiative aims to provide customers with an additional channel for conducting transactions.
The introduction of 901.ng comes at a time when Nigeria has made notable progress in enhancing financial inclusion, with rates climbing to 74 percent in 2023 from 68 percent in 2020.
With the Central Bank of Nigeria setting an ambitious target of achieving 95 percent financial inclusion by 2024, Access Bank’s offline banking platform is poised to play a crucial role in driving towards this goal.
At the launch event held in Lagos, Access Bank highlighted that the 901.ng solution is designed to redefine convenience and security in banking. By ensuring uninterrupted access to financial services, even in areas with limited or no internet connectivity, the platform addresses a key barrier to financial inclusion.
The Deputy Managing Director of Access Bank, Victor Etuokwu, said, “In today’s fast-paced digital age, connectivity is often taken for granted. However, millions of individuals worldwide still face challenges accessing online banking services due to various reasons, such as poor internet infrastructure, remote locations, or security concerns.
“Recognising this gap, Access Bank has developed this solution to empower our customers to bank securely, anytime, anywhere, irrespective of internet availability.
“We are committed to leveraging technology to enhance the banking experience for all our customers. With the introduction of our offline banking platform, 901.ng, we are breaking barriers and empowering individuals and businesses to manage their finances with confidence, even in offline environments.”
Also, the Group Head of Consumer Banking, Access Bank, Njideka Esomeju, said that the lender’s offline banking platform, 901.ng reaffirmed one of the bank’s core values – innovation, setting a new standard for accessibility and security in the banking industry.
“As part of its ongoing commitment to excellence, Access Bank will continue to evolve its offerings to meet the evolving needs of its diverse customer base,” she remarked.
The Head of Digital Channels at Access Bank Plc, Oluremi Tinuolu-Gabriel, added that the product was one of its kind and was launched in a bid to improve the customer experience.
“What we are bringing to the market today is the first of its kind in this part of the world. We want to ensure that customers can seamlessly do what they want to do. 901.ng allows customers to do their basic banking transactions with or without the internet,” he declared.
The CEO of RemitPlus, Emeka Madu, noted that Access Bank had been at the forefront of innovation with a large customer base, hence, they were a preferred choice.
Madu said, “Our platform is all about bridging the digital divide and helping people to be able to access financial services, which we have been able to achieve via our partner, Access Bank.”