MoMo PSB, Thunes Sign Partnership to Boost Cross-Border Payments for Nigerians

MoMo Payment Service Bank has entered a major partnership that widens how Nigerians receive money from abroad. The MTN-owned platform has teamed up with Thunes, a global payments network, to offer instant transfers from several countries. The agreement places MoMo users within a broader system that connects international wallets and banks to Nigeria’s expanding digital economy.

The new arrangement gives more than 2.7 million MoMo users access to funds from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Australia and South Africa. Although the service is digital, it is built to support daily needs, including airtime purchases, bill payments and family support. It also opens new pathways for small merchants who rely on fast settlement times.

Cross-Border Payments Nigeria Gets a Boost

The partnership places MoMo PSB inside Thunes’ Direct Global Network, which links financial institutions in over 130 countries and supports more than 80 currencies. The ministry-sized ecosystem connects billions of wallets and millions of cards worldwide. This reach enables quicker and more secure entry points for cross-border payments in Nigeria, which continue to grow as more people adopt digital finance.

Thunes’ Chief Network Officer, Aik Boon Tan, said the partnership changes how Nigerians access international remittances. “This alliance makes it possible for Nigerians to receive money from abroad instantly, securely, and conveniently,” he noted. He added that it allows more people to take part in the global economy.

MoMo PSB CEO, Phrase Lubega, believes the development supports the platform’s broader mission. “Joining the Thunes Direct Global Network allows us to deliver on our commitment to financial inclusion by bringing global remittances directly to users’ fingertips,” he said. He explained that real-time access helps Nigerians participate more fully in the country’s digital market.

Though the partnership focuses on speed, it also aligns with the wider economic picture. World Bank figures show that remittance inflows into Nigeria climbed by 9% in 2024 to reach $20.9 billion. As the movement of money from abroad continues to rise, platforms that support cross-border payments in Nigeria are becoming essential to households and businesses.