The journey of Seun Lawal, the Co-founder and CEO of Cardforté, is a masterclass in navigating the complexities of Nigeria’s financial landscape. Over the last five years, he has moved his card technology firm from a gritty startup phase into a leading position within the national payment ecosystem. According to Lawal, building a business in this environment quickly teaches an entrepreneur that having a vision is only the beginning; the real work lies in surviving the grind.
The reality of operating in Nigeria means facing a constant barrage of challenges, from the notorious volatility of the foreign exchange market and power shortages to supply chain bottlenecks and shifting regulatory goalposts. Lawal admits that even the most airtight business strategy is bound to be tested by these external pressures. To thrive, he emphasizes that resilience, discipline, and a high degree of adaptability are not just helpful traits—they are essential survival tools.
In a recent sit-down with Reports Lawal opened up about the motivation behind Cardforté’s rapid ascent. Having spent years in the industry, he noticed a significant void. While major card manufacturers were naturally preoccupied with high-volume clients, smaller banks, microfinance institutions, and emerging fintech startups were often left without reliable support or high-quality issuance services.
Beyond just finding a market niche, Lawal felt a strong sense of national responsibility. He questioned why Nigeria remained so heavily reliant on foreign suppliers for something as fundamental as payment infrastructure. This dependency not only drains foreign reserves but also stunts local growth. Cardforté was born out of the conviction that Nigeria could—and should—build this technical capability within its own borders, creating a business that is both commercially successful and strategically vital to the economy.
Success did not come by trying to mimic the established giants overnight. Instead, Lawal focused on speed, responsiveness, and building deep trust. He positioned Cardforté as a partner rather than just a vendor, specifically catering to growing businesses that needed flexibility and a provider who understood their unique struggles. By addressing these practical pain points, the company has effectively reduced the need for imports and ensured that more value remains within the local economy.
One of the most significant shifts Lawal is championing is the move toward local metal card production. Historically, high-value or technical products were assumed to be better if they came from abroad. Cardforté is dismantling that narrative, proving that local manufacturing can meet global standards while offering faster turnaround times and better data sovereignty. Lawal told Reports that keeping these processes local is a matter of national interest, ensuring that sensitive infrastructure stays under domestic oversight.
Beyond technology, the company is investing heavily in human capital. Through a dedicated graduate recruitment and training program, Cardforté is nurturing the next generation of industry professionals. Lawal expressed a particular pride in seeing young talent evolve into key contributors, reinforcing the idea that the company’s impact goes beyond the products they manufacture.
However, the path forward requires more than just private effort; it needs a supportive policy environment. Lawal suggests that the government could significantly boost the industry by implementing a Right of First Refusal for qualified indigenous manufacturers. He believes that local companies, which are committed to long-term investment and skill development in Nigeria, should be prioritized over foreign entities that may not have the same level of investment in the country’s future.
Looking ahead, Cardforté is leaning into sustainability and innovation. The company recently became the first local vendor certified by Verve for eco-friendly card products, a move that aligns with a growing global demand for responsible manufacturing. By exploring metal card production and expanding into secure identity and digital payment enablement, Lawal is ensuring that Cardforté remains a pillar of Nigeria’s digital economy for years to come.
