Nigerian fintech startup Touch and Pay (TAP), a leading processor of micro-transactions in Africa, has announced the democratisation of interstate travel from Nigeria’s largest city, Lagos, to other parts of the country.
Founded in 2019 by Olamide Afolabi, Michael Oluwole and Kabir Yabo, TAP was the first company in Nigeria to provide payment infrastructure that allowed contactless cards to be used on buses and ferries.
The startup has now extended its operations by enabling contactless payment cards for interstate commuting in Nigeria. TAP is advancing financial inclusion among the mostly unbanked population with its effective processing of micropayments ranging from 10 cents to US$10.
It is now possible for passengers to pay for their trips using the Cowry app, even if they are travelling through multiple states in the country. This service is now available for all formal and informal interstate travel operators within the city.
“TAP is proud to be the first service to level the playing field when it comes to transportation in Lagos. Commuters often need to reserve tickets in advance to avoid waiting in lines. In the past, bus passengers had to physically visit counters and engage with attendants to book and pay for their trips. This is no longer the case. Customers taking an interstate trip can now access the details of their journey, including the ability to buy tickets and select the seats of their choice, without ever leaving the comfort of their homes,” said Olamide Afolabi, co-founder and CEO of Touch and Pay Technologies.
