Nicholas Nome: How a Nigerian Tech Entrepreneur Built Paynownow From the Ground Up

In Nigeria’s fast-growing technology ecosystem, many entrepreneurs begin with a simple curiosity about computers and gradually turn that curiosity into businesses that solve everyday problems. For Nigerian technology entrepreneur Nicholas Nome, that journey began long before he founded Paynownow.

Nome developed an interest in computers and the internet while in secondary school. His curiosity eventually led him to start blogging, sharing information about browsing tips, mobile tutorials and internet configuration.

Rather than limiting his interest to using technology, he began learning how websites and software worked. He taught himself web development and software programming and later worked as a webmaster, blogger and freelance web developer.

That early experience gave him an understanding of both technology and the practical needs of internet users.

From Web Development to Entrepreneurship

Before Paynownow, Nome had already begun experimenting with online business.

In 2014, he founded Saybaba.com, an early entrepreneurial project that later evolved into Sellsbaba in 2018. These experiences exposed him to e-commerce, online platforms and the challenges involved in building digital businesses.

The progression was significant. What began as an interest in computers and blogging gradually developed into practical experience in web development, online business and technology entrepreneurship.

In 2020, Nome founded Paynownow.

Building Paynownow Around Everyday Digital Services

Paynownow was created as a digital utilities services provider focused on making everyday digital services easier to access.

The company provides services including airtime, data, electricity, cable TV, internet subscriptions, betting services and gift cards.

Rather than focusing on one isolated digital need, the Paynownow model brings multiple everyday services into one digital environment.

For consumers, these are routine needs. Airtime and data are used to stay connected, electricity services help households manage power payments, cable TV subscriptions keep entertainment services active, while internet subscriptions and gift cards serve other everyday digital needs.

A Founder Shaped by Technology

Nome’s story reflects a gradual transition from technology enthusiast to entrepreneur.

His early exposure to the internet led to blogging. Blogging opened the door to web development. Web development became freelance work and professional experience, which eventually contributed to his decision to build businesses of his own.

Paynownow represents another stage of that progression.

For Nicholas Nome, entrepreneurship has been closely connected to technology and the practical question of how digital tools can make everyday activities simpler.

As Paynownow moves into its next phase, the company continues to develop around its identity as a Nigerian digital utilities services provider.