EFFECTS OF FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY, AGENT BANKING ON FINANCIAL INCLUSION IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between financial technology, agent banking, and financial inclusion. Employing secondary data from the Central Bank of Nigeria and Federal Reserve Economic Data, the research utilises the Granger causality test to analyse the period between 2012–2022. The findings reveal that POS transactions significantly affect mobile money account ownership, and mobile money operations exhibit the strongest positive relationship with financial inclusion. Although ATMs are widely used, their impact on financial inclusion is limited by high transaction costs and operational challenges. Mobile account ownership drives web banking usage significantly, but web banking transactions do not significantly impact mobile account ownership. The study recommends enhancing digital infrastructure, promoting financial literacy, and expanding agent networks to bridge regional disparities. By leveraging technological advancements, Nigeria can achieve broader financial inclusion and foster equitable economic growth