Nigeria’s image has received a boost as many developed countries now accept electronic payments from her.

Hitherto, companies and individuals in Europe, among other climes, are skeptical of transacting businesses with the Nigerian nationals for fear of being duped.

But now, the situation seems to have been improved as many developed countries are now accepting electronic payments from Nigeria with ease.

The Group Chief Executive Officer, Intercontinental Bank Plc, Dr Erastus Akingbola, gave indications to this effect recently.

Akingbola, while speaking in Lagos recently, said that it is easier now to transact businesses abroad with the locally made electronic payments cards.

He, however, could not give the exact figure of the payments that Nigerians have made abroad.

Akingbola said that firms such as Master Card International, among others, have contributed to the growth of the electronic cards payments in the country.

He regretted that Nigeria has being treated as a pariah nation in the past; adding that nobody wanted to accept any payment from Nigeria.

Akingbola said: "Nobody would like to accept any payment from Nigeria ten years ago, but now Nigerians are using electronic payment cards obtained from their banks for payments abroad".

He said the situation improved, following the banking reforms and the subsequent forays of the 25 banks into electronic payment services.

He noted that Master Card International has adjudged Intercontinental Bank as one of the best in terms of electronic payment service delivery.

He said that the bank boasts of electronic payment systems such as Master Card, internet banking solutions, Point of Sales terminals, Internet-mobile, Eduportal for managing finances of educational institutions, e-visa, e-ticketing for all kinds of services.

Others are; internally generated revenue (IGR) solutions for state governments and hotels and Debit Cards.

He said that it was difficult before to travel outside the country with $100,000 cash or above, adding that it is now easier to made heavy payments without being noticed.

"I have tested electronic payment cards and proved that they have reliable. I have been to countries such as India, United States, and United Kingdom among others where cards issued by intercontinental Bank are well accepted as means of payment. What gives me joy is that such a great innovation was coming from the bank and Nigeria in particular."

It would be recalled that most banks have partnered electronic card companies abroad to provide technical services for them. Some of the companies include Master Card International, Visa Card among several others. The relationship has blossomed, generating a lot of revenue for the banks.

Besides, the banks have been able to brand their payments cards, a development that gives them enough leverage in and outside the country. In recent times, banks have endeared themselves to hordes of travelers in the country.

Also, many firms in the country have come to terms with the locally produced electronic cards by accepting them for payments.