20
Jul
Nigeria's financial inclusion rate has reached 74%, up from 64% in 2020, according to the latest report by the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS). This remarkable improvement is largely attributed to the rapid growth of fintech companies and mobile money platforms.
Opay, PalmPay, Moniepoint, and Flutterwave have been instrumental in driving this growth by providing accessible financial services to previously unbanked populations. These platforms have leveraged mobile technology to reach remote areas where traditional banking infrastructure is limited.
"The fintech revolution has democratized access to financial services," said Dr. Aisha Ahmad, Director of Financial Policy and Regulation at the CBN. "We're seeing unprecedented adoption rates, especially among small business owners and rural communities."
Mobile money transactions have grown by 127% year-over-year, reaching N89.6 trillion in transaction value. This growth has been supported by the CBN's regulatory sandbox program, which allows fintech companies to test innovative products in a controlled environment.
Traditional banks have also adapted by partnering with fintech companies and launching their own digital products. GTBank's digital banking platform and Zenith Bank's mobile app have seen significant user growth, demonstrating the sector's evolution.
The impact extends beyond urban centers, with rural financial inclusion improving from 52% to 68%. Agent banking networks have expanded significantly, with over 1.4 million agents now operating across the country's 774 local government areas.
However, challenges remain, including cybersecurity concerns and the need for improved digital literacy. The CBN has announced plans to strengthen the regulatory framework while maintaining an innovation-friendly environment for fintech development.
