Ernest Ndukwe celebrates Flutterwave’s 10th anniversary, highlighting Nigeria’s digital evolution and fintech’s global competitiveness

Dr Ernest Ndukwe, Board Chairman of MTN Nigeria, has traced Nigeria’s digital transformation from long queues at NITEL offices to the rise of globally competitive fintech firms, celebrating Flutterwave’s 10th anniversary at a Gala Night hosted at The Delborough, Lagos.

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Speaking at the event, Ndukwe reflected on his tenure at the Nigerian Communications Commission under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, recalling how telecom reforms in the early 2000s dismantled inefficiencies and enabled private-sector innovation.

He noted that before liberalisation, Nigerians endured prolonged waits to make international calls, a challenge that disappeared after 2001 with the telecom revolution.

“That transformation laid the groundwork for today’s digital economy, enabling companies such as Flutterwave to thrive,” Ndukwe said, describing the fintech firm as “an international company made in Nigeria.” He emphasised that Flutterwave’s ability to meet global standards demonstrates the strength of local enterprise when supported by sound policy.

Ndukwe further commended Flutterwave’s growth over the past decade, describing its achievements as remarkable, but cautioned that sustained expansion requires 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 advised, urging leadership to remain focused as the company scales across markets.

He also highlighted the importance of continuity and consistent effort, reminding attendees that “the reward for hard work is more work.” Ndukwe acknowledged earlier pioneers of Nigeria’s digital payment infrastructure, including John Obaro, founder of SystemSpecs and creator of Remita, describing them as senior figures whose groundwork strengthened the broader fintech ecosystem.

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The event celebrated a decade of Flutterwave’s influence in global payments and served as a reflection on the evolution of Nigeria’s digital economy, linking historical reforms with modern innovation.