Electronic Banking and Digital Inclusion in Nigeria: An Empirical Analysis of Deposit Money Banks in Benue State

This study investigates the impact of electronic banking (e-banking) on digital inclusion within Nigeria’s banking sector, focusing on selected deposit money banks in Benue State. Amidst rapid global digital transformation, e-banking services, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), mobile banking, Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals, and smart cards are pivotal in reshaping financial access and efficiency. Digital inclusion, encompassing legal identification, financial access, trust, and security, is critical for equitable participation in the digital economy. Employing a survey research design, data were collected from 350 customers across four major banks (UBA, First Bank, Fidelity Bank, and Zenith Bank) and analyzed using multiple regression. The findings reveal that all dimensions of e-banking exert significant positive effects on digital inclusion: ATMs (β = 0.945, p < 0.05), mobile banking (β = 0.930, p < 0.05), POS terminals (β = 0.577, p < 0.05), and smart cards (β = 0.645, p < 0.05). Collectively, these e-banking channels explain 67.3% of the variation in digital inclusion. The study concludes that e-banking is a potent driver of digital inclusion in Nigeria, though challenges like cybersecurity threats and infrastructure gaps persist. Recommendations include enhancing security protocols, promoting digital literacy, investing in robust infrastructure, and fostering inclusive policies to maximize the benefits of digital financial services for all segments of the population.