2 Best APIs for Mobile Payments in Nigeria

RoutePay Fintech Limited is a Nigerian payment technology company that received its Full Operating Licence from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as a Payment Solution Service Provider (PSSP) on January 12, 2023 — making it one of the newer entrants to Nigeria's regulated payment gateway space. The company is also certified by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for Value-Added Services, giving it a dual regulatory standing that covers both financial payments and telecoms-adjacent services like airtime and data transactions. Headquartered in Victoria Island, Lagos (Africa Re House, Plot 1679 Karimu Kotun Street), RoutePay operates under the leadership of CEO Abayomi Olomu and Group Managing Director Femi Adeoti (former MD of Inlaks). The company is registered as RoutePay Fintech Limited (RC 1872221) and uniquely owns a licensed microfinance bank subsidiary — Routelink Microfinance Bank Limited (RC 8836108) — enabling it to offer embedded merchant credit alongside payment processing, a rare combination in Nigeria's payment gateway landscape. **Omnichannel Payment Infrastructure** RoutePay is built as a truly omnichannel payment platform — not just an online gateway, but a complete payments infrastructure that covers every channel Nigerian consumers and businesses transact on: - **Web**: Browser-based checkout integration for e-commerce and business websites - **Mobile**: SDK and API integration for iOS and Android apps - **POS**: Physical terminal support for retail and hospitality merchants - **ATM**: ATM payment routing for cash-based and card-based transactions - **USSD**: Short code-based payment acceptance for feature phone users and financial inclusion scenarios This breadth of channels makes RoutePay particularly valuable for businesses that operate across both digital and physical environments, or for government institutions that need to serve citizens regardless of smartphone availability. **Core Payment Features** RoutePay supports card payments (debit and credit — Visa, Mastercard, Verve), direct bank transfers, USSD codes, QR code payments, and payment link generation. The payment link feature is specifically designed for social media sellers and informal businesses that take orders via WhatsApp, Instagram, or phone — allowing them to collect payments without a dedicated website. **Bill Payments API** Beyond payment acceptance, RoutePay provides a bill payments module covering: airtime top-up for all Nigerian mobile networks (MTN, Airtel, Glo, 9mobile), mobile data purchases, DSTV/GOtv/Startimes cable TV subscription renewals, and PHCN/DISCOs electricity prepaid token purchases. This module enables developers to build super-apps and lifestyle platforms with embedded utility payment capabilities. **Merchant Micro-loans via Routelink MFB** One of RoutePay's most distinctive features is its integration with Routelink Microfinance Bank. Merchants who process payments through RoutePay become eligible for micro-loans whose terms are informed by their transaction history and payment volumes on the platform. This provides Nigerian SMEs with access to working capital financing without the collateral requirements and bureaucratic overhead of traditional bank loans — the loan eligibility is earned through demonstrated business activity rather than pre-existing credit history. **Government & Institutional Payments** RoutePay explicitly targets government and public sector clients, enabling tax collection, licensing fee payment, regulatory fee submission, and institutional disbursements. The USSD channel support is particularly valuable here — it allows citizens in areas with limited internet access to make payments to government agencies using any mobile phone. **Security Architecture** RoutePay implements bank-grade AES encryption across all transactions, combined with two-factor authentication (2FA) for account access and a real-time fraud monitoring system. Auto-reversal protocols ensure that failed transactions are automatically reversed without manual intervention. The platform also offers account freeze capability for security incidents. **Tiered KYC System** RoutePay implements a Tier 1 / Tier 2 / Tier 3 KYC model for individual users, consistent with CBN's tiered KYC framework for digital financial services. Higher tiers unlock larger transaction limits — Tier 1 requires minimal information (BVN linkage), while Tier 2 and Tier 3 require progressively more documentation (government ID, address proof, enhanced verification). This tiered approach enables financial inclusion while managing regulatory compliance. **Authentication & API Access** RoutePay provides API access for developers through its developer portal. API credentials are issued after completing merchant KYC/onboarding. The API follows REST conventions with JSON request/response formats. For developer documentation and API access, developers can visit routepay.com/developers or contact sales@routepay.com. **Pricing** RoutePay charges no monthly maintenance fees. Transaction fees are per-transaction at industry-standard rates, with full transparency on charges — no hidden fees. Specific fee percentages are provided during merchant onboarding rather than published on the website. Micro-loan terms are governed separately by Routelink MFB's lending policies. **Challenges for Nigerian Developers** RoutePay's public developer documentation is less detailed than market leaders like Paystack or Flutterwave, and specific API specifications, authentication details, and rate limits are not publicly documented — requiring developer outreach to access. Recurring/subscription billing is not a documented product feature. For businesses that primarily need a straightforward online payment gateway with comprehensive public documentation, larger platforms may offer a smoother developer experience. **Frequently Asked Questions** Q: Is RoutePay licensed by the CBN? A: Yes. RoutePay holds a CBN PSSP Full Operating Licence granted January 12, 2023. Q: Does RoutePay support USSD payments? A: Yes — USSD is one of RoutePay's five supported payment channels, enabling payments from any Nigerian mobile phone. Q: What makes RoutePay unique compared to Paystack or Flutterwave? A: RoutePay's key differentiators are its omnichannel coverage (including ATM and USSD), its institutional/government payment capabilities, and its embedded micro-loan product through Routelink MFB. Q: Can my business get a loan through RoutePay? A: Merchants processing payments on RoutePay become eligible for micro-loans from Routelink MFB — eligibility and terms are based on transaction volume and history on the platform. Q: Does RoutePay have a sandbox for testing? A: Contact RoutePay's developer team at routepay.com/developers or sales@routepay.com for sandbox access details.