In Nigeria's fast-paced fintech world, small changes can make big differences. OPay, a leading mobile money platform, has introduced a clever feature amid the new stamp duty rules. Users now see a ₦9,999 transfer option, designed to help dodge the ₦50 fee on transfers of ₦10,000 or more.
This move comes as banks and fintechs implement the updated stamp duty policy starting January 1, 2026. The charge, once borne by recipients under the Electronic Money Transfer Levy, now falls on senders. OPay's addition sparks excitement among users seeking cost-saving hacks.
Many Nigerians rely on OPay for daily transactions. With over 30 million users, the platform offers seamless transfers, bill payments, and savings. The ₦9,999 button appears in the transfer menu, allowing quick selections just below the threshold.
This isn't just a random amount. It directly counters the new rule where transfers below ₦10,000 remain free of stamp duty. By choosing ₦9,999, senders avoid the automatic ₦50 deduction, keeping more money in their pockets.
Social media buzzes with stories of users testing this trick. One viral X post showed a man transferring ₦9,999 to his own account, celebrating no fee deduction. Such anecdotes highlight how everyday Nigerians adapt to financial policies.
OPay hasn't officially marketed this as a "dodge" feature. Instead, it's presented as a convenient preset amount. Yet, its timing aligns perfectly with the stamp duty shift, suggesting strategic intent.
OPay Stamp Duty Avoidance: Understanding the New Rules
The Nigerian government revamped its tax laws in 2025. The Nigeria Tax Act 2025 renamed EMTL to stamp duty and shifted the burden to senders. This aims to boost revenue, projecting ₦456 billion in 2026.
For users, it means extra costs on routine transfers. Sending ₦10,000 now costs ₦50 more, deducted upfront. This adds up for frequent users, like small business owners or families sending remittances.
Exemptions exist. Transfers below ₦10,000, intra-account moves, and certain salary payments skip the fee. But for peer-to-peer sends, the rule applies across banks and fintechs like OPay, PalmPay, and Moniepoint.
OPay alerted users via app notifications and emails. "From January 1, 2026, a ₦50 stamp duty applies to transfers of ₦10,000 and above," one message read. This prompted savvy users to explore workarounds.
₦9,999 Transfer Strategy: How It Works on OPay
Open the OPay app and navigate to the transfer section. You'll spot preset buttons for common amounts, including ₦9,999. Select it, enter the recipient's details, and confirm.
The app processes it instantly, without the stamp duty hit. If you need to send more, split transfers: ₦9,999 plus another small amount. Be mindful of daily limits, though.
This strategy isn't new. Users have manually entered ₦9,999 since fintechs began charging EMTL in 2024. But OPay's button makes it effortless, turning a hack into a feature.
Experts warn against over-relying on splits. Excessive transactions might flag accounts for review. Still, for occasional use, it's a legitimate way to minimize fees.
Benefits of OPay ₦9,999 Button for Users
Savings add up quickly. Avoid ₦50 per qualifying transfer, and monthly costs drop significantly. For vendors handling multiple payments, this preserves profits.
Convenience stands out. No need to calculate amounts manually. The button streamlines the process, enhancing user experience in a competitive market.
OPay gains too. By offering this, it retains cost-conscious customers who might switch to rivals. It positions OPay as innovative, focused on user needs amid regulatory changes.
Security remains top-notch. OPay's large transaction shield feature adds protection, requiring extra verification for big sends. Pairing this with ₦9,999 keeps things safe.