Nigerian technology company Optimus AI Labs is making strides in the enterprise artificial intelligence sector with the launch of intelligent support systems aimed at improving customer service and operational efficiency within the country’s financial services industry. Formerly known as Pacer Labs, the firm rebranded in 2023 to better represent its commitment to delivering AI-driven solutions that address significant business challenges.
During a press conference in Lagos on Wednesday, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer Lanre Basamta detailed the company’s two-year journey in developing tools tailored specifically for banks, fintech firms, microfinance institutions, and other financial service providers. “Today, customers struggle to reach their banks when issues arise. Some wait 40 to 50 minutes to speak with an agent,” Basamta stated. “Institutions like Access Bank and OPay serve tens of millions of users; no number of human agents can keep up with that volume.”
At the core of Optimus AI Labs’ enterprise offerings is OMNIS, an AI-powered customer engagement engine that employs natural language processing to address queries, resolve issues in real time, and escalate complaints when necessary. The platform analyzes customer behavior, recommending relevant financial products and effectively acting as a “digital salesperson” to enhance revenue while improving user experience.
In addition, the company has created eeV, an AI-driven support system that aims to bolster operational efficiency, reduce wait times, and ensure regulatory compliance. Given recent guidelines from the Central Bank of Nigeria mandating financial institutions to resolve fraud-related cases within 14 days, Basamta explained that eeV allows organizations to engage affected customers immediately, providing clear resolution paths and escalating complex issues to human agents, ultimately minimizing delays that can frustrate users.
While Optimus AI Labs initially targeted small businesses, including schools, the firm has since recognized the financial sector as a prime opportunity for scaling AI solutions. “The financial sector presents the biggest opportunity for AI to deliver value,” Basamta remarked, emphasizing that regulatory considerations, especially concerning fraud resolution, shaped the design of the system.
In addition to its domestic focus, the company is pursuing international partnerships. Basamta mentioned collaborations in Canada, including a digital learning environment project for a prominent dental group, illustrating that Nigerian-built AI solutions are competitive on a global scale.
Optimus AI Labs’ recent relocation to office space previously occupied by the fintech lender Kuda symbolizes its ambitions to expand and enhance its role in Nigeria’s technology ecosystem. This move indicates a rising demand for enterprise AI solutions as companies across diverse sectors seek to improve service delivery and operational capabilities.
Basamta pointed out that OMNIS is transforming traditional mobile applications from mere transactional tools into dynamic experience hubs. “We are moving past the era where an app is just a digital cash register. OMNIS turns applications into intelligent platforms that learn from user behavior, personalize experiences, and provide seamless navigation,” he explained.
The company’s broader vision is to leverage African technical expertise to create AI solutions with global appeal. With a focus on large language models, generative AI, and intelligent customer support, Optimus AI Labs is positioning itself as a leader in the African technology space while laying the groundwork for international growth.
“Africa presents a unique space for AI adoption. With a young population and a rapidly growing mobile market, the continent is poised to leverage the transformative power of AI,” Basamta added. As Optimus AI Labs continues to develop solutions designed to enhance efficiency, customer experience, and trust in digital financial services, it underscores Nigeria’s emerging role as a hub for AI-driven enterprise innovation.
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