OPay has moved to reassure customers that it has no plans to suspend its operations on September 1, 2026, after a fake announcement claiming the fintech was preparing to shut down circulated widely online.
The message, which appeared across social media and messaging platforms, was designed to look like an official communication from OPay Digital Services Limited.
According to the fabricated notice, OPay would begin an indefinite suspension of its services from September 1, with transactions and account-related activities allegedly stopping until further notice.
It also encouraged customers to remove money from their accounts immediately, warning that failing to do so could result in difficulties accessing their funds.
The claim caused concern among some users and reportedly contributed to increased withdrawal activity as customers reacted to the alarming message.
OPay calls message fake
OPay has firmly rejected the announcement.
In a statement shared through its official X account, the company described the notice as false and said it had been manipulated to mislead the public.
The fintech assured customers that it was continuing its operations and had no plans to take the supposed “break” announced in the viral message.
The company also advised users to be more careful when encountering announcements attributed to OPay, pointing out that the fake notice contained identifiable signs that it was not an authentic company communication.
OPay encouraged customers to verify suspicious claims through its official communication channels before sharing them or taking action.
The company further confirmed that its offices in locations including Lagos and Abuja remained open, while its services continued to operate normally for customers, merchants and business partners.
Shutdown rumours have surfaced before
The latest incident is part of a pattern of false claims surrounding OPay’s operations.
Earlier in March, social media reports alleged that the Nigeria Revenue Service had sealed OPay offices over alleged tax-related matters.
OPay subsequently dismissed the reports, explaining that the issue involved an industry-wide directive relating to the display of certain statutory charges on payment platforms and was not an indication that the company had been shut down.
A similar rumour circulated in 2024, when a WhatsApp message claimed that OPay was preparing to leave the Nigerian market. The company denied the allegation, and independent fact-checkers subsequently determined that the claim was unfounded.
Another false report emerged in November 2025, alleging that OPay had stopped operating and that customer deposits had been wiped out.
The company again rejected the claim and assured customers that their accounts and funds remained intact and accessible.
Customers urged to verify financial claims
Repeated rumours about a major fintech shutting down can create serious anxiety because millions of Nigerians rely on digital financial platforms for everyday transactions, transfers, payments and savings.
OPay customers are therefore advised not to respond impulsively to messages demanding that they immediately withdraw or transfer their funds.
Any unexpected announcement concerning account restrictions, service suspensions or the company’s operations should first be checked against OPay’s verified communication channels.
For now, OPay says there is no shutdown scheduled for September 1, 2026, and its services and offices remain operational.
