From Gbenga Adebayo, Lagos
OPay Nigeria has unveiled a new security feature known as Location Guard, designed to enhance user protection and prevent unauthorized access to customer accounts.
The announcement was made during the grand finale of the OPay Security Vote Challenge held on Friday at the company’s Lagos office, where four winners received ₦1 million each.
SPONSOR AD
Speaking at the event, OPay’s Chief Commercial Officer, Elizabeth Wang, said the new feature adds an extra layer of protection by requiring facial verification for transfers carried out outside a user’s regular or home location. She said the feature was developed in response to customer feedback and becomes OPay’s eighth security innovation.
According to her, the Location Guard ensures that only verified users can initiate transactions, even if their phones are stolen or used in unfamiliar locations. “If someone takes your phone and tries to use it in another city, the Location Guard feature locks it immediately. Only your Face ID can unlock and authorize transactions,” she said.
Wang added that security remains a top priority for the company, noting that OPay has a dedicated team of 35 engineers working daily to develop and improve its security systems. She assured customers that the company would continue to invest heavily in technology to safeguard users’ funds and build trust across its platforms.
Four social media users, Adegoke Oluwatoyin Adewunmi from Facebook, Oyinye Mercy Ekeogu from Instagram, Ezeonwuka Greatness from Twitter (X), and Charles Chinaemere Lhugba from TikTok, emerged as winners in the Security Vote Challenge. Other participants also received ₦50,000 each as consolation prizes.
The event was attended by OPay brand influencers including Funke Akindele, Brain Jotter, Broda Shaggi, and Layi Wasabi, who have supported the campaign to promote digital safety and awareness among users.