Unity Bank has rolled out a major upgrade to its Unifi mobile app, promising faster payments, stronger security, and a smoother digital banking experience for customers across Nigeria.

Why it matters

As more Nigerians rely on mobile banking for daily transactions, banks are under pressure to deliver speed, security, and reliability.

Unity Bank says its latest Unifi update responds directly to customer feedback and growing demand for safer, real-time digital services.

What’s new

Nigeria’s retail lender, Unity Bank Plc, on Monday unveiled Unifi version 2.3, an enhanced version of its mobile banking platform aimed at deepening customer experience and strengthening its digital banking proposition.

The upgrade introduces improved security protocols, expanded quick-action features, better bill payment options, and an upgraded Nigeria Quick Response (NQR) feature for faster and more secure QR code transactions.

According to the bank, the rollout builds on sustained investment in digital and security infrastructure to protect customer data and support safe, real-time transactions across multiple channels.

What the bank is saying

Speaking on the upgrade, Adenike Abimbola, Divisional Head, Retail, SME, Digital Banking & Fintech Partnerships at Unity Bank, said the improvements were driven by ongoing customer feedback.

“Digital banking has become an integral part of everyday life, particularly for retail customers who expect speed, dependability, convenience, and security as standard,” she said.

“With the latest upgrade to Unifi, we are responding directly to these expectations by enhancing functionality, strengthening security, and simplifying key payment and transaction journeys.”

Ms Abimbola added that the goal is to enable customers to bank “seamlessly, confidently, and without friction, anytime and anywhere.”

She said the lender would continue improving its digital channels to align with changing customer needs and industry trends.

“As mobile banking increasingly defines how people interact with financial services, Unifi is central to our strategy of delivering intuitive, reliable, and inclusive digital solutions,” she added.

Bigger picture

Unifi was originally launched as part of Unity Bank’s strategy to grow its retail base, particularly among young and digitally savvy customers.

The platform has since become a core driver of customer acquisition and engagement, supporting the bank’s broader digital transformation and financial inclusion agenda.

What customers can expect

The Unifi mobile app allows users to carry out transfers, bill payments, airtime purchases, and QR-enabled transactions.

It is available for download on Android and iOS devices.

What’s next

Unity Bank says it will continue investing in technology partnerships and platform enhancements to expand adoption and improve overall customer experience.

Business visibility has become a decisive factor in who attracts customers, investors and influence, according to communications strategist Chioma Ezenwafor.

She made the argument during a recent Difficult Conversations Africa podcast, warning that many businesses struggle not because they lack value, but because they fail to communicate it effectively.

“Visibility is no longer a cosmetic add-on,” Ezenwafor said. “It is a strategic currency that determines who gets noticed where decisions are made.”

She stressed that visibility only matters when it is deliberate and aligned with a business’s core objectives, rather than driven by constant or entertainment-focused social media activity.

Why this matters

In an increasingly competitive and digital economy, attention has become scarce, while choice has expanded for consumers and investors.

Experts say organisations that do not actively position themselves risk being overshadowed by competitors who are more visible, even if they offer similar or inferior products and services.

Ezenwafor argued that clarity of purpose is the foundation of effective visibility, noting that businesses must first understand what they stand for and who they need to reach.

“Doing good work is not enough if no one knows about it,” she said.

Visibility beyond social media

Challenging common assumptions, Ezenwafor cautioned against equating visibility with constant online posting or viral content.

She explained that strategic visibility means showing up in spaces where influence, funding and purchasing decisions are made.

Using seasonal businesses as an example, she said cleaning services that increase targeted visibility during festive periods are more likely to attract demand and investment.

She added that artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping how organisations plan and execute communication strategies, making intentional visibility even more important.

Industry reactions

The discussion also highlighted the risks of complacency among established organisations.

Ezenwafor pointed to fintech brand Moniepoint as an example of a company that clearly articulated its value proposition and deliberately built strong market presence.

In contrast, she said many long-standing organisations rely too heavily on past success or loyal customers, underestimating the need for continuous engagement.

Responding to this, Difficult Conversations Africa host DCA said feasibility and demonstrated value matter even more during economic uncertainty.

“In tough times, people want proof,” he said, adding that visibility helps organisations show relevance and resilience.

Trust, reputation and stakeholders

Beyond profit-driven businesses, the podcast examined visibility within organisations and the non-profit sector.

Ezenwafor said proactive communication helps build trust among staff, partners, funders and the public, while also managing expectations and preventing crises.

She urged organisations not to fear criticism, describing negative feedback as an opportunity to refine messaging and strengthen credibility.

DCA agreed, noting that word-of-mouth remains powerful, now amplified by digital platforms.

The bigger picture

Using the analogy of a falling tree in an empty forest, Ezenwafor summed up her message: if a brand is not seen or heard, it might as well not exist.

She called for communication experts to be included at the highest levels of business strategy, rather than treated as an afterthought.

Addressing concerns about misinformation and overexposure, she emphasised that credibility must go hand in hand with visibility.

What’s next

The episode is particularly relevant for entrepreneurs, small business owners and professionals seeking growth, recognition and influence.

It also speaks to content creators, digital marketers and job seekers who need to be discovered by audiences, recruiters or partners.

The podcast concluded with a call for deliberate, consistent and credible visibility strategies across both business and non-profit sectors.

According to Ezenwafor, storytelling, media engagement and thought leadership are essential tools not just for recognition, but for sustaining trust and attracting funding in a crowded market.

The Chairman of SIFAX Group, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, has praised the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, for what he described as transformative leadership as the Customs boss marked his birthday.

In a statement released in Lagos, Dr Afolabi said Mr Adeniyi’s tenure had strengthened Nigeria’s trade system and improved confidence among businesses operating across borders.

According to him, the Customs chief has driven reforms that improved revenue generation, enhanced border security and accelerated digital processes within the Service.

“Your tenure as Comptroller-General has been defined by strategic foresight, institutional discipline and an unwavering commitment to national service,” Dr Afolabi said.

He added that the reforms had a direct impact on the ease of doing business for operators in the maritime, aviation and logistics sectors.

“These achievements have not only strengthened Nigeria’s trade ecosystem but have also positively impacted the ease of doing business for stakeholders across the maritime, aviation and logistics sectors,” he said.

Why it matters

Customs operations play a central role in Nigeria’s economy, influencing government revenue, trade competitiveness and supply chains.

Analysts say sustained reforms at the Nigeria Customs Service are critical as the country seeks to boost non-oil revenue and improve its position in global trade rankings.

A trade policy expert, who spoke to the BBC-style desk, said consistent leadership at Customs could help reduce port delays and costs passed on to consumers.

“Efficient customs administration affects prices, job creation and investor confidence,” the expert said.

Industry reactions

SIFAX Group, a pan-African conglomerate with interests in maritime, aviation, logistics, oil and gas and hospitality, said it had benefited from a more collaborative relationship with the Customs Service.

Dr Afolabi said Mr Adeniyi’s stakeholder-focused approach had improved transparency and engagement with the private sector.

Industry observers say such collaboration is vital for addressing long-standing challenges at Nigeria’s ports.

A wider public service lens

Dr Afolabi also described the Customs chief as a symbol of integrity and professionalism in public service.

He said Mr Adeniyi’s leadership style had become a point of reference for reform-minded institutions across Africa.

The SIFAX chairman prayed for continued good health and wisdom for the Comptroller-General as he consolidates ongoing reforms.

What’s next

The Nigeria Customs Service is expected to deepen its digital transformation and enforcement strategies in 2026, with a focus on trade facilitation and revenue optimisation.

Business groups say sustained policy consistency will determine how much impact these reforms have on the wider economy.