Airtel Nigeria has partnered mobile banking and e-services provider, eTranzact, to launch ‘Smart Top Up’, a mobile service which gives Airtel customers the option of buying airtime directly from their bank accounts.

Smart Top Up is the first of its kind in Nigeria which provides Airtel customers to register multiple bank accounts and then purchase airtime by selecting any registered bank account of their choice, using just one code, *444*.

Chief Marketing Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Maurice Newa, explained that “the service is yet another addition to the bouquet of innovative products and services through which Airtel delivers better value to its customers at all times.

Newa said: “This service is unique because it does not require customer visiting the bank to pre-register any of his/her bank accounts, internet connection or airtime for you to purchase airtime, all customers’ need to do is dial just one code, *444*Amount# to register and start buying airtime at their convenience. This brings a new level of convenience to our customers as it addresses the difficulties associated with airtime top up,” he said.

He expressed confidence in the partnership with eTranzact and further explained that the idea of using one code for all the banks available on the service is to ensure that customers do not have to memorize too many different codes simply because they want to recharge their phones.

Mr. Newa also disclosed that the service is accessible through any type of phone and that customers can register on this service using multiple accounts from banks which are available on the service.

The banks include Access Bank, Enterprise Bank, FCMB, Heritage Bank and Jaiz Bank. Others are Skye Bank, Union Bank and Unity Bank.

He noted that plans were in place to add more banks to the service

The Managing Director of eTranzact, Mr Valentine Obi expressed delight at the partnership and reiterated the company’s commitment to make payments secure, convenient and cost-effective for Nigerians.

“We’re excited to partner with Airtel on this worthy project, by providing a platform for subscribers on the Airtel network to top up their mobile phones from anywhere in Nigeria without difficulties,” he said.

•Photo shows Airtel Nigeria’s Chief Marketing Officer, Maurice Newa.