Nigeria’s journey toward full financial inclusion is reshaping the country’s economic landscape, unlocking new ways to mobilize domestic capital for development. According to Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Minister of State for Finance, the expansion of banking access has strengthened Nigeria’s ability to fund national projects without overreliance on foreign borrowing.
In an interview with Semafor during the Next 3 Billion event in Abuja, Uzoka-Anite highlighted how the surge in internet connectivity and smartphone adoption has driven a decade-long financial inclusion boom. Today, about 64% of Nigerian adults own a bank or non-bank account — a major leap from under 25% in 2008.
She explained that this digital and financial evolution has encouraged higher savings rates and more frequent financial transactions, boosting liquidity and enabling the government to harness local capital for growth. “The increase in digital transactions provides policymakers with richer data to forecast inflation, adjust interest rates, and plan bond issuance more precisely,” she noted.
A Regional and Global Shift
Nigeria’s progress reflects a wider continental movement. Across sub-Saharan Africa, 58% of adults now have access to formal financial systems, up from 30% in 2011, according to the World Bank’s Global Findex. In Nigeria alone, around 43% of adults now save through formal institutions — a figure the government aims to raise significantly.
Still, financial inclusion in Africa trails other developing regions. Experts argue that trust and data protection are key barriers, especially amid rising cases of fraud. “We’re still fine-tuning our regulatory framework to strengthen data protection,” Uzoka-Anite said, acknowledging the ongoing challenge of safeguarding users while expanding access.
Challenges and Policy Shifts
Historically, African nations have struggled to generate domestic funding for investment due to limited savings and low tax revenue. This often forces governments to turn to costly international credit markets. Nigeria’s 2012 financial inclusion roadmap, which targeted 80% account ownership by 2020, fell short — but progress since then has been undeniable.
The rise of digital banking platforms like OPay, PalmPay, and Moniepoint — especially during Nigeria’s recent cash scarcity — has showcased how fintech innovation can outperform traditional banks in driving inclusion. Uzoka-Anite pointed to this as evidence of resilience and adaptability within Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.
Experts like Serah Makka of the ONE Campaign emphasize that past overreliance on commercial banks stunted growth. Now, the inclusion of mobile operators such as MTN and Airtel in financial services shows how regulation has evolved to encourage innovation while ensuring system stability.
A New Era of Collaboration
The transformation extends beyond access to accounts. Nigeria’s regulatory culture has matured — moving from rigid central control to active collaboration. Jay Alabraba, co-founder of fintech giant Paga, observed that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) now consults with industry stakeholders before finalizing policies, signaling a more open and responsive regulatory environment.
Looking ahead, infrastructure remains central to sustaining this progress. The government’s ongoing investment in fiber optic expansion aims to deepen internet penetration, bringing millions more into the digital economy and strengthening the backbone of financial inclusion.
In essence, Nigeria’s financial revolution is not just about banking access — it’s about empowerment. By connecting citizens to the financial system through digital innovation, the country is laying the groundwork for sustainable, homegrown economic growth.
