Financial Technology and Financial Inclusion in Nigeria

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of financial technology on financial inclusion in Nigeria. The study adopted the survey research design. Primary data were sourced through a field survey by the use of questionnaire. The study opted for the use of questionnaire because of the unavailability of secondary data to proxy the variables under consideration; and to gather reliable and first-hand information about the reality of financial technology and financial inclusion. The target populations for the study were the rural dwellers of some of villages near Enugu urban, such as Ugbawka, Nara, Agbani, Nkerefi and Akpougu. Samples of 300 persons were selected using the judgm ental sampling technique. The percentage and graphical representation (pie chart) was used in the analysis of data collected from the questionnaire. The a priori expectation was that financial technology enhances financial inclusion. Findings from the study revealed that Financial Technology eases accessibility to financial services, such as deposit, withdrawal, account opening, savings, borrowing, bill payment, etc.; has brought financial and banking services close to the doorstep of customers/users and has reduced significantly the frequency with which customers congest the banking hall. The study therefore recommended a renewed interest on financial technology as well as insisting on good policies that will enhance the sustainability of financial technology in Nigeria.