Impact of Electronic Banking on the Profitability of Commercial Banks in Nigeria (2011-2018)

Abstract

The study examined the impact of electronic banking on the profitability of commercial banks in Nigeria from 2011 – 2018. The methodology used in this study was multiple regression technique because the explanatory variables which predicted the outcome response variable (dependent variable) were six in number. Secondary data were obtained from Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin and online materials that covered the period of the study. From the result, 1% increase in ATM transaction led to 0.84% increase in bank profit. This showed that there was a positive relationship between volumes of ATM increase and bank profit. R-square (R²) is the fraction of the variance of the dependent variable explained by the independent variables. In this result, R² was about 95% and adjusted (R²) was 98% meaning that about 90% of the bank profit was explained by the independent variables put together. Sum of squared residual is a measure of error using the estimated regression equation values of ATM, POS, WP, MP, NEF and NIP. From the result, it showed that electronic bank transactions have significantly impacted on Nigerian banks profitability from 2011 – 2018. The F-ratio computed from regression (12.55) was statistically significant. Therefore, we accepted H₁ (alternative hypothesis) and rejected H_o (null hypothesis). This means that electronic bank transactions have significantly contributed to commercial banks profitability in Nigeria. One of the major findings of the study showed that positive and significant relationship existed between electronic banking and profitability of commercial banks in Nigeria within the period of the study. The article, however, concluded that there were mixed data by both Sumra et al. (2011) and Gutu (2013) in Malik et al. (2016) on the same topic that were not in favour of Microfinance Banks (MFBs) and Pakistani commercial banks. The paper recommended, among others, that financial regulatory authorities should work as a team with the banks in Nigeria with a view to providing an enabling environment and appropriate regulatory framework that will give optimal services to customers, especially in the area of inconclusive transactions.