By 
Nigerian fintech company Paga has partnered with global payments giant PayPal to launch live account linking in Nigeria, allowing users to receive and withdraw international PayPal payments directly through their Paga wallets.
With the integration now active, Nigerians can link their PayPal accounts to Paga and receive payments from PayPal-supported markets, then withdraw those funds locally in naira. The service also enables users to shop with global merchants and access their PayPal balances within Nigeria’s domestic payment system.
The partnership opens new opportunities for Nigerian freelancers, entrepreneurs, and merchants, who can now tap into PayPal’s global network of more than 400 million users while settling funds locally through Paga. Funds received via PayPal can be withdrawn, transferred to local bank accounts, spent using cards, or used to pay bills and merchants within Paga’s ecosystem.
Paga’s Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer, Tayo Oviosu, said the integration is aimed at simplifying access to global payments for Nigerians and helping users use international earnings seamlessly at home.
“We are proud to make this integration live and available across Nigeria,” Oviosu said. “Whether you are a freelancer receiving international payments, a business selling online, or a consumer shopping globally, this collaboration makes it easier to access and use global funds locally in a simple and secure way that works for our market.”
Historically, PayPal placed restrictions on Nigerian accounts, allowing users to send but not receive funds due to fraud-related concerns in the early 2000s. While PayPal has not fully opened its platform to Nigeria, the partnership with Paga provides users with practical access to PayPal services through a regulated local wallet.
Commenting on the collaboration, PayPal’s Senior Vice President, Regional Head and General Manager for the Middle East and Africa, Otto Williams, said the partnership reflects PayPal’s strategy of working with local innovators to expand inclusion in the digital economy.
“We have been intentional about partnering with local innovators like Paga to develop solutions that help Nigerians earn, spend, and grow,” Williams said. “This collaboration strengthens the payments ecosystem by supporting local innovation, expanding financial inclusion, and enabling more consumers and businesses to participate confidently in the digital economy.”
The announcement comes as Nigeria’s digital payments market continues to expand rapidly. Transaction values reached ₦657.8 trillion in 2023, with over 30 million active mobile wallet users nationwide. With more than 21 million users and an expanding API infrastructure, Paga is well positioned to scale PayPal’s cross-border payment services across Nigeria through its local settlement network, digital wallet, and card integrations.
Comments