OPay has introduced two new security features, Emergency Lock and Safety PIN, aimed at giving customers greater control over their accounts during emergencies and protecting them from fraud, theft and forced transactions.
The fintech company said the latest innovations reaffirm its commitment to customer safety by providing practical tools that enable users to secure their funds before unauthorised access or financial losses occur.
As digital payments continue to grow across Nigeria, OPay noted that concerns over phone theft, account compromise, robbery and forced transfers remain significant challenges for many users. The new features were developed to help customers respond quickly during such situations.
The Emergency Lock feature allows customers to instantly freeze their OPay accounts with a single tap whenever they suspect their account is at risk or find themselves in a potentially unsafe environment.
Once activated, the account is frozen for 24 hours, automatically blocking all outgoing transactions, including transfers, bill payments and card transactions. The company explained that the freeze takes effect immediately to prevent unauthorised activity before it occurs.
According to OPay, the security lock cannot be removed by anyone, including the customer or its customer service team, until the 24-hour protection period expires.
The company also introduced the Safety PIN, a feature designed to protect customers who may be forced to make payments or transfers under duress.
Users can create a unique Safety PIN that discreetly activates a 24-hour account freeze when entered. The feature enables customers to trigger account protection without alerting anyone who may be coercing them into making a transaction.
OPay said the new security tools represent a proactive approach to fraud prevention by helping customers stop financial losses before they happen, rather than focusing solely on post-incident recovery.
Speaking on the development, the Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer of OPay, Dotun Adekunle, said the innovations were inspired by the need to address real-life security challenges faced by many Nigerians.
He said the company remains committed to developing financial solutions that combine convenience with confidence, security and peace of mind for customers.
According to Adekunle, the Emergency Lock and Safety PIN features provide users with immediate control over their finances during moments of uncertainty while reinforcing OPay’s commitment to responsible financial services.
The company said customers can access the Emergency Lock feature through the Security Centre within the OPay mobile application, where they can also set up their Safety PIN.
OPay added that the introduction of the new security features reflects its continued investment in customer protection and innovation as digital financial services expand across the country.
