CONCEPTUAL ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY ON THE FINANCIAL INCLUSION OF SMALL AND MEDIUM- SCALE ENTERPRISES IN ABUJA, NIGERIA

Abstract

Despite the growing recognition of financial technology (FinTech) as a transformative tool for financial inclusion, many Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Abuja, Nigeria, continue to face challenges in fully harnessing its potential. This study was conducted to examine the extent to which FinTech influences financial inclusion among SMEs in Abuja, with specific attention to access, usage, and service quality. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. Findings revealed that while FinTech tools such as mobile banking, POS systems, ATMs, and web-based payments significantly enhanced account accessibility and usage, the quality-of-service delivery—including reliability, responsiveness, and customer support—remained a critical limitation. The study concluded that although FinTech has advanced the inclusion of SMEs into the formal financial system, infrastructural gaps and service inconsistencies hinder its full effectiveness. It recommends strategic policy interventions focusing on improving digital infrastructure, financial literacy, and regulatory support to enhance service quality and user confidence. These interventions are vital to fostering a more inclusive financial environment for SMEs in urban centres such as Abuja.