OPay has reassured customers that it is fully operational in Nigeria, dismissing viral social media claims that the fintech company planned to shut down its services.
The company addressed the rumours during a Live Town Hall in Lagos on Wednesday, September 2, bringing together members of its leadership, industry stakeholders, media representatives and partners.
The meeting came after a fabricated message circulated on social media claiming that OPay would suspend its operations from September 1 and advising customers to move or withdraw their funds.
OPay described the publication as false and malicious and urged customers to rely on its verified communication channels for information about its services.
For millions of Nigerians who use digital financial services, rumours about the closure of a major fintech can create unnecessary panic and uncertainty.
OPay’s platform serves customers and merchants who use digital payments for everyday transactions, making confidence in the company’s ability to continue operating important to both users and businesses.
A false shutdown claim can also encourage customers to make financial decisions based on information that has not been verified.
OPay’s latest response is therefore not only a denial of the rumour but also an attempt to restore confidence among its customers and business partners. The shutdown claim began circulating online days before the town hall.
The fake publication reportedly claimed that OPay would go on an extended break beginning September 1, 2026, and encouraged customers to take action with their funds.
OPay responded publicly, saying the claim was false and warning users against acting on the information. The company also advised customers to check its verified platforms before accepting or sharing announcements attributed to the fintech.
At the Lagos town hall, OPay’s leadership again confirmed that the company had no plans to suspend or discontinue its Nigerian operations. The immediate concern involves OPay’s customers and merchants, who rely on the platform for digital payments and other financial transactions.
The misinformation also affects the wider fintech industry because confidence plays an important role in digital financial services.
For fintech companies, rumours about operational problems can spread rapidly online, particularly when customers cannot immediately distinguish between an official announcement and fabricated content.
OPay’s Chief Operating Officer, as reported by The PUNCH, said the company remains committed to using technology to expand financial inclusion in Nigeria.
OPay has also moved beyond simply denying the claims. The company said it has taken legal action against individuals behind the false information.
BusinessDay reported that OPay had begun legal proceedings against those responsible for the rumour, while NAN also reported the company’s warning that false information capable of causing panic or undermining confidence in a financial institution could have legal consequences.
However, reports have not established publicly who created or originally circulated the fabricated publication. OPay has therefore urged the public to verify claims through its authenticated channels rather than relying on forwarded messages or unverified social media posts. The incident highlights a growing challenge for companies operating in Nigeria’s digital economy: misinformation can spread faster than official clarification.
Financial technology companies are particularly sensitive to such claims because customers need confidence that their money and transactions remain accessible.
The OPay incident also comes at a time when Nigerians increasingly rely on digital platforms for payments, transfers and other financial services.
By holding a public town hall and pursuing legal action, OPay is seeking to counter the immediate rumour while sending a broader message that false claims about financial institutions can have serious consequences.
For now, OPay says its services remain available and its Nigerian operations continue.
The company has urged customers to verify before they share or act on financial information circulating online.
