Electronic Payment Systems Implementation and the Performance of Commercial Banks in Nigeria

Abstract

This research paper investigated the effect of electronic payment systems on the performance of commercial banks in Nigeria. For the purpose of the study, data was collected from secondary sources specifically from the CBN statistical bulletin and comprised of data on the assets base of commercial banks and internet banking (ATM, POS, Internet banking and Mobile banking) for the period of 2009 to 2019. The collected data was analyzed using ordinary least square (OLS) regression technique. Findings of the research showed that there is a statistically significant positive relationship between ATM transactions and the assets base of commercial banks in Nigeria. Internet (online) banking transactions had a positive relationship with the asset base of commercial banks. There is a positive and statistically significant relationship between mobile banking transactions and the assets base of commercial banks. However, Point of Sales (POS) transactions had a negative statistical relationship with the asset base of banks. From the findings of the study, It is concluded that implementation of electronic payment system in banks have had mixed effect on the performance of banks. Thus, while ATM, internet banking and mobile banking leads to improvements in the performance of banks, same cannot be said for point of sales machines which has a negative effect on bank performance. Based on the above, it is recommended that commercial banks increase investments in the implementation of electronic payment systems. Finally, it is recommended that the government improve on internet infrastructure in order to capture the rural areas in order to promote financial inclusion through electronic banking in the country.