Moniepoint Microfinance Bank has reaffirmed its leadership in Nigeria’s agency banking space, highlighting its track record and distinctive service model as key drivers reshaping the sector and strengthening financial inclusion across the country.

The bank said its approach goes beyond traditional service delivery, positioning it as a homegrown technological backbone for Nigeria’s real economy, designed to address the unique challenges of local businesses and underserved communities.

Speaking on the strategy, Ezekiel Sanni, Senior Vice President, Distribution Network Sales, said the next phase of growth in agency banking would be defined not just by expansion, but by quality of service, trust, and sustained engagement with agents and merchants.

“Agency banking has grown significantly in reach, but the next phase of growth will be defined by quality of service and depth of engagement,” Sanni said, noting that the bank’s model prioritises consistent local support and operational stability for businesses.

At the centre of Moniepoint’s model is a network of field-based managers who provide hands-on support to agents, ensuring continuous engagement beyond onboarding. The bank explained that this close interaction enables faster resolution of operational issues, drives product adoption, and builds long-term partnerships across its network.

By combining digital infrastructure with physical presence, the lender said it has developed a hybrid system that delivers both scale and human connection. This, it added, allows merchants to receive real-time support, business guidance, and on-the-job training, particularly in areas such as fraud prevention and anti-money laundering compliance.

Sanni noted that proximity to agents allows the bank to go beyond transactions to building capacity, strengthening business operations and safeguarding the wider financial system.
According to the bank, the benefits of this model extend to last-mile customers, who enjoy more reliable services, safer transactions, and increased confidence in the financial ecosystem.

Moniepoint also pointed to its expanding suite of value-added services, including inventory management tools, savings products, and access to working capital, which have helped embed the platform into the daily operations of small businesses.

“Our aspiration has been to become indispensable to the businesses we serve,” Sanni said, adding that integrating financial and operational support strengthens relationships with merchants and improves overall impact.

The bank further underscored its market position as Nigeria’s largest merchant acquirer, processing a significant share of in-person payments nationwide. It attributed this to reliability, fast transaction processing, and efficient settlement cycles, factors it described as critical in building trust among agents who often rely on a single service provider.

Moniepoint reiterated that it views agency banking as critical infrastructure for economic participation, pledging to continue investing in systems that empower merchants, support customers, and drive sustainable growth in Nigeria’s financial ecosystem