Ernest Ndukwe celebrates Flutterwave’s expansion across continents

Femi Akinyemi

Board Chairman of MTN Nigeria, Dr Ernest Ndukwe, has traced Nigeria’s digital evolution from the era of long queues at NITEL offices to the rise of globally competitive fintech firms, as he celebrated Flutterwave’s 10th anniversary and its growing influence in the global payments ecosystem.

Speaking at the company’s Gala Night hosted by the prestigious ‘The Delborough Lagos’, Ndukwe reflected on his time at the Nigerian Communications Commission under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, noting that the telecom reforms of the early 2000s dismantled systemic inefficiencies and opened the door for private-sector innovation.

He recalled that before liberalisation, Nigerians endured prolonged waits to make international calls, a reality that disappeared after 2001 when the telecom revolution took hold.

According to him, that transformation laid the groundwork for today’s digital economy, enabling companies such as Flutterwave to thrive.

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He described the fintech firm as “an international company made in Nigeria,” adding that its ability to meet global standards demonstrates the strength of local enterprise when supported by the right policy environment.

Furthermore, Ndukwe said he had observed Flutterwave’s growth with admiration, describing its achievements over the past decade as remarkable.

However, he cautioned that sustained expansion would depend on strong institutional discipline.

“Corporate governance is very important. Success can go two ways, it can either make you lose your head or make you concentrate more,” he said, urging the company’s leadership to remain focused as it scales across markets.

He also underscored the principle that excellence demands continuity, noting that “the reward for hard work is more work,” a reminder that innovation must be sustained through consistent effort.

In addition, Ndukwe acknowledged earlier pioneers in Nigeria’s digital payment infrastructure, including John Obaro, founder of SystemSpecs and creator of Remita, the platform used by the Federal Government for revenue collection.

He described such innovators as senior figures whose groundwork strengthened the broader financial technology ecosystem.

Concluding his remarks, the MTN Nigeria board chairman expressed confidence in Flutterwave’s trajectory, assuring the company of continued industry support as it deepens its footprint across Africa and beyond.