.Over 3,000 POS terminals to be deployed across underserved communities
In a major push to deepen financial inclusion across Nigeria, fintech community platform FintechHeroes has partnered with the Association of POS Terminal Operators of Nigeria (APTON) to roll out a national empowerment program aimed at equipping new agents with point-of-sale (POS) terminals, training, and support.
The collaboration, launched this week in Lagos, is expected to deploy over 3,000 POS terminals in its pilot phase, targeting underserved and rural communities in 15 states.
The initiative prioritises youth and women-led microbusinesses, providing them not only with devices but also technical training, digital finance education, and long-term business support.
Founder of FintechHeroes and a leading voice in Africa’s fintech space, Ridwan Odetunde, described the initiative as a step towards sustainable digital entrepreneurship.
“We’re not just handing out POS terminals—we’re helping people build long-term digital businesses,” Odetunde said. “Through this partnership, we’re giving everyday Nigerians the tools, training, and infrastructure they need to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.”
The scheme also includes startup kits, onboarding support, and compliance training tailored to agents operating at the grassroots. Beneficiaries will be integrated into the FintechHeroes platform for continuous learning and mentorship.
Co-Founder and Community Director at FintechHeroes, Jessica Ugwe, said the initiative is rooted in impact and inclusion.
“We’ve seen the difference a single POS operator can make in a community without access to traditional banks. This program will empower operators with tools, knowledge, and confidence,” she noted.
APTON officials commended the initiative, describing it as the “most strategic public-private collaboration” they’ve participated in, particularly in its use of tech-driven support tools.
The first batch of POS terminals will be distributed in Lagos, Kano, and Delta States, with a full rollout scheduled by Q4 2024. The project is backed by switching partners and fintech service providers, with plans to integrate anti-fraud and real-time analytics systems for security and performance tracking.
FintechHeroes is a grassroots fintech ecosystem and community co-founded by Ridwan Odetunde and Jessica Ugwe. The initiative is known for its mentorship programmes, product clinics, and thought leadership within Nigeria’s rapidly evolving fintech landscape.
