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Indigenous Card Manufacturing Seen as Strategic National Asset
Nigeria has been urged to strengthen policy and institutional support for indigenous card manufacturers. This would help to deepen the country’s payments infrastructure and reduce reliance on foreign providers.
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Nigeria’s payment infrastructure is valued at ₦285 trillion in early 2026. It is a sophisticated, largely instant system driven by the NIBSS Instant Payments (NIP) platform. It boasts Africa’s first matured instant payment system, facilitating widespread adoption of digital transactions and supporting a booming fintech ecosystem.
Local card manufacturing firm CardForté has emphasized that domestic capacity is critical to improving resilience, cutting foreign exchange exposure, and retaining value within the economy.
Lagos-based CardForté is a prominent indigenous smart card manufacturing and digital solutions company. Since its establishment, CardForté has specialized in the end-to-end design, production, and personalization of secure card products for various sectors. They include banking, healthcare, and education among others.
Closing Gaps in Nigeria’s Card Production Value Chain
In a recent interview, CardForte Founder, Seun Lawal, said the company was established five years ago to address persistent gaps in access to reliable, high-quality card manufacturing services.
According to him, fintechs, microfinance banks, and emerging financial institutions have historically been underserved. Global manufacturers often prioritise large-volume clients.
This imbalance, Lawal noted, has increased Nigeria’s dependence on imported card solutions, contributing to capital flight and sustained pressure on foreign exchange.
Building Local Capacity for Speed, Flexibility, and Trust
Lawal explained that CardForte was founded on the belief that Nigeria can build and sustain world-class card manufacturing capabilities locally.
Seun Lawal
“Our focus has been on delivering speed, flexibility, and true partnership to institutions that need responsive and reliable service,” he said,
Local manufacturing enables faster turnaround times and closer collaboration with financial service providers, Lawal added.
Beyond Cards: Jobs, Skills, and Industry Development
Since its launch, CardForte has expanded its impact beyond card production. The firm has contributed to skills transfer, job creation, and infrastructure development within Nigeria’s financial services ecosystem.
CardForté positions itself as a strategic enabler in strengthening local capacity and improving the resilience of the payments sector amid rapid fintech growth.
Navigating Nigeria’s Challenging Operating Environment
Despite its progress, CardForté acknowledged the challenges of operating in Nigeria.The challenges are numerous. They include foreign exchange volatility, power supply constraints, supply chain disruptions, and regulatory uncertainty.
Lawal said disciplined growth, operational efficiency, and adaptability have been essential to sustaining momentum.
Call for Policy Support and Right of First Refusal
To accelerate sector growth, Lawal called for targeted policy interventions, including a “Right of First Refusal” framework for qualified indigenous manufacturers. Such policies would protect strategic capabilities, encourage long-term investment, and help local firms scale sustainably, he argued.
He also highlighted perception challenges, noting that indigenous manufacturers often face higher scrutiny despite meeting global standards.
Sustainability, Innovation, and Premium Offerings
Looking ahead, CardForte is increasing its focus on sustainability and innovation. The company has introduced eco-friendly card solutions and recently achieved certification on the Verve network for sustainable card products—an important milestone in environmentally responsible manufacturing.
As part of its growth strategy, CardForte is also exploring advanced offerings such as local metal card manufacturing to serve premium market segments.
A Broader Vision for Nigeria’s Digital Payments Future
Lawal said the company’s long-term ambition extends beyond card production into secure identity solutions, trusted access systems, and broader payment enablement infrastructure.
“Our goal is to remain commercially strong, operationally disciplined, and strategically relevant to Nigeria’s financial ecosystem,” he stated.
