Early Life and Passion for Technology

For many entrepreneurs, success begins with access to funding, influential networks, or formal business education. For Nicholas Nome, it began with curiosity, determination, and a passion for technology.

Born and raised in Nigeria, Nicholas Nome developed an interest in computers and the internet while still in secondary school. At a time when internet access was expensive for many Nigerians, he created a blog where he shared free browsing tips, mobile phone tutorials, and internet configuration guides. The platform gradually attracted an online audience and introduced him to web publishing, digital marketing, and search engine optimization (SEO).

Those early experiences sparked an entrepreneurial mindset and laid the foundation for his future in technology.

Building Skills Through Self-Learning

Determined to expand his knowledge, Nicholas Nome taught himself web development and software programming while working as a webmaster, blogger, and freelance developer.

Through years of practical experience, he developed expertise in website development, digital marketing, and software solutions. His goal was to use technology to solve everyday problems and create products that deliver value to individuals and businesses.

The Journey from Saybaba to Sellsbaba

In 2014, Nicholas Nome launched Saybaba.com, an e-commerce marketplace designed to connect buyers and sellers across Nigeria.

As the business evolved, the platform was rebranded as Sellsbaba in 2018. Although it did not become one of Nigeria’s leading e-commerce companies, the venture provided valuable experience in product development, customer acquisition, startup management, and the realities of building a technology business in a competitive market.

Rather than viewing the experience as a setback, Nome has described it as a valuable learning period that prepared him for future opportunities.

The Birth of Paynownow

Building on the lessons gained from e-commerce, Nicholas Nome founded Paynownow in 2020.

Paynownow is a Nigerian financial technology company that provides digital payment services, including airtime purchases, mobile data subscriptions, utility bill payments, television subscriptions, fund transfers, gift card services, and other financial solutions through a single platform.

The company was established to simplify everyday digital transactions and improve access to convenient payment services.

According to Nome, one of the defining moments in the company’s growth came when external investors expressed interest in the business. He has said he chose to retain ownership because he believed maintaining independence would better support the company’s long-term vision and strategic direction.

Expanding Beyond Fintech

Beyond financial technology, Nicholas Nome has expanded into real estate through Paynownow Properties and international logistics.

These ventures reflect his broader interest in building businesses that address practical commercial challenges while leveraging technology and innovation.

Leadership and Entrepreneurial Philosophy

Like many entrepreneurs, Nicholas Nome’s journey has included financial constraints, operational challenges, and competition.

He has said those experiences strengthened his resilience and shaped his leadership philosophy, which emphasizes continuous learning, adaptability, innovation, and long-term value creation.

A Growing Presence in Nigeria’s Technology Ecosystem

Today, Nicholas Nome is among a growing generation of Nigerian entrepreneurs using technology to solve local challenges while building businesses with broader regional ambitions.

From publishing internet tutorials as a student to founding Paynownow, his entrepreneurial journey demonstrates how persistence, self-learning, and innovation can contribute to building sustainable technology companies.

Biography

Nicholas Nome is a Nigerian technology entrepreneur, software developer, and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Paynownow, a financial technology company established in 2020. Before founding Paynownow, he launched the e-commerce platform Saybaba.com, which was later rebranded as Sellsbaba. His business interests also include real estate and international logistics, with a continued focus on technology-driven innovation, digital commerce, and financial inclusion.