Why building products for Nigerians requires different approach — Olaoluwa Simeon

By Chioma Obinna Nigerian product leader Olaoluwa Simeon has identified trust, reliability, and a deep understanding of local consumer behaviour as the defining factors for building successful products in Nigeria, describing the country as “its own operating system” that demands solutions designed specifically for its unique realities.

He noted that trust remains the most valuable currency in Nigeria’s digital economy, where customers have experienced failed transactions, unreliable platforms, and inconsistent service delivery.” Olaoluwa explained that product reliability has become a minimum expectation rather than a competitive advantage, particularly within Nigeria’s payments ecosystem, where downtime and failed transactions can have immediate financial consequences for individuals and businesses.