Here are the Chief Technology Officers of leading Nigeria Fintechs

As of the end of 2023, more than 200 startups had launched to serve underserved communities and small businesses, making the importance of Chief Technology Officers (CTOs) greater. 

This is also a result of the growing access to the internet and smartphones, making Nigeria a significant player in the digital payments arena.

Despite the impressive growth, the fintech industry faces several challenges. Limited infrastructure and concerns over cybersecurity are major obstacles. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy (NFIS) targets a 95% financial inclusion rate by 2024, highlighting the need for initiatives like the cashless policy. 

In this regulated environment, CTOs must navigate a complex landscape of legal and regulatory requirements, making their roles more dynamic and essential than ever.

CTOs are responsible for managing the technological backbone of their companies while also driving innovations that make financial services more accessible and efficient. 

Their skills in software development, data analysis, and strategic technology planning are crucial for creating solutions that benefit millions of Nigerians. In this article, we introduce the CTOs leading some of Nigeria’s top fintech companies, exploring their backgrounds and the impact they’re making in the industry.

Gurbhej Dhillon – CTO, Flutterwave

Gurbhej Dhillon has been at the helm of Flutterwave’s technology since May 2022. With nearly two decades of experience, he oversees the development and maintenance of Flutterwave’s payment systems that operate across the globe. 

Before joining Flutterwave, Gurbhej spent 17 years at Goldman Sachs, where he advanced to the role of Managing Director and Technology Fellow. There, he led teams that built the Marcus Lending platform and worked on technologies for Capital Markets. 

His expertise in building robust systems and managing large teams has been instrumental in Flutterwave’s rapid growth.

Babafemi Ogungbamila – EVP, Operations and Technology, Interswitch

Babafemi Ogungbamila brings over 21 years of experience in IT and fintech to his role at Interswitch. As the Executive Vice President of Operations and Technology, he has played a key role in developing the company’s payment infrastructure and driving digital transformation. 

Since joining Interswitch in 2003, Babafemi has held various positions, including Chief Information Officer, where he led a team of more than 200 engineers. His work has focused on adopting cloud technologies and big data solutions, helping Interswitch stay ahead in the competitive fintech landscape. 

He holds a degree in Computer Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University and has completed advanced management training at Lagos Business School.

Dotun Daniel – COO & CTO, OPay

Dotun Daniel has served as both Chief Operating Officer and Chief Technology Officer at OPay since July 2024. In this dual role, he manages the company’s daily operations and oversees the integration of new technologies to support growth. 

Prior to joining OPay, Dotun was the Senior Vice President of Offline Payments at Flutterwave from 2022 to 2024. He is also the founder and chairman of CMYK Studios, which was established in 2016. Dotun holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from Texas McCombs School of Business and an MBA from the University of Roehampton. 

His extensive background in technology and operations management helps OPay innovate and expand its services effectively.

Musty Mustapha – Co-Founder & CTO, Kuda

Musty Mustapha is the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Kuda, Nigeria’s first fully digital bank. Since 2018, he has led the creation of Kuda’s smart banking platform, focusing on providing convenient banking solutions for mobile-first users. 

Before co-founding Kuda, Musty worked at Stanbic IBTC as a Senior Software Development Engineer, where he led projects that transformed the bank’s digital services. He also co-founded Kudimoney, an online lending and savings platform that paved the way for Kuda. 

Musty holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Lagos and a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Ilorin. His dedication to innovation has been key to Kuda’s success in the digital banking space.

Felix Ike – CTO, Moniepoint Inc.

Felix Ike is the Chief Technology Officer at Moniepoint Inc., where he leads the company’s technology strategy to empower individuals and businesses across Nigeria. With over nine years at Moniepoint, Felix has been crucial in developing software solutions that enhance financial operations. 

Before becoming CTO, he served as Lead Architect, where he ensured the delivery of strong software systems and mentored the development team. Felix started his career as a Software Developer at Interswitch and later worked as a Lead Developer at Tiketmobil. 

He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Lagos, where he graduated with First Class Honors. His leadership and technical expertise drive Moniepoint’s mission to provide accessible financial services.

Edward Popoola – CTO & Co-Founder, Cowrywise

Edward Popoola is the Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Cowrywise, a leading platform for digital savings and investments in Nigeria. Since launching Cowrywise in 2017, Edward has led the technological advancements that make financial planning accessible to many Nigerians. 

Before starting Cowrywise, he was the Technical Director at African Advantage Telecoms, where he managed teams delivering mobile money services across Africa. Edward holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University and an Innovation & Entrepreneurship Certificate from Stanford University. His vision and technical skills have been vital in Cowrywise’s growth and success in the fintech industry.

Opeyemi Olanipekun – Co-Founder & CTO, Trove Finance

Opeyemi Olanipekun is the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of Trove Finance, a company dedicated to making investment opportunities accessible in Nigeria. Since July 2018, Opeyemi has been leading Trove’s technological direction, ensuring the development of user-friendly investment solutions. 

Before Trove Finance, he was the Head of Technology at DropBuddies, where he focused on building mobile and web applications. Opeyemi also worked as a Senior Software Developer at Prepclass, where he developed scalable services and educational tools. 

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Lagos and an Advanced Diploma in Software Engineering from APTECH Nigeria. His commitment to technology and innovation drives Trove Finance’s mission to empower investors.

Eric Chijioke – CTO, Paga Group

Eric Chijioke is the Chief Technology Officer of Paga Group Ltd, a major digital payments platform in Nigeria. Since joining Paga in February 2011, Eric has been instrumental in advancing the company’s technology to enable smooth and secure transactions for users. 

Before Paga, Eric co-founded Apposit LLC and worked on significant projects like the Integrated Financial Management Information System for the Government of Ethiopia while at Harvard University. He began his career as a Senior Systems Analyst at ERisk, focusing on risk management software for financial institutions. 

Eric holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Brown University. His extensive experience and technical expertise have been key to Paga’s growth and success in the fintech sector.