EFInA launched its first Access to Financial Services in Nigeria survey in 2008. Subsequent surveys were undertaken in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020.

The EFInA Access to Financial Services in Nigeria 2020 survey results have been disseminated. The findings from the survey highlight the opportunities to extend financial services to the unbanked and under-banked low income segments in the country. The EFInA Access to Financial Services in Nigeria survey is nationwide and covers over 20,000 consumers. The survey is conducted every two years and aims to:

• Document usage of financial products across both formal and informal sectors from an urban and rural perspective.
• Provide insights into regulatory and market obstacles to growth and innovation in the financial sector.
• Identify the financial needs of the adult population and thereby give service providers the opportunity to develop innovative products to serve them.
• Provide credible data that highlight opportunities for policy reform and support evidence based financial inclusion policies.

The results of the EFInA Access to Financial Services in Nigeria 2018 survey revealed that 39.5 million adults (39.7% of the adult population) have a deposit money bank account. This represents an increase of 2.6 million adults, from 36.9 million in 2016. In 2018, the formally included segment increased from 46.9 million adults in 2016 to 48.4 million adults in 2018. The number of adults relying on informal mechanism ONLY increased significantly from 9.4 million in 2016 to 14.6 million in 2018.

The findings also revealed that 36.6 million adults, representing 36.8% of the adult population, are financially excluded.

The results of the EFInA Access to Financial Services in Nigeria 2016 survey revealed that 36.9 million (38.3% of the adult population) have access to a bank account. This represents an increase of 3.0 million adults, from 33.9 million in 2014. In 2016, the formally included segment increased from 45.4 million adults in 2014 to 46.9 million adults in 2016. This represents an increase of 1.5 million adults who have access to Deposit Money Banks, MicroFinance Banks, Mobile Money, Insurance and Pensions. The findings also revealed that 40.1 million Nigerian adults, representing 41.6% of the adult population, are financially excluded.

The results of the EFInA Access to Financial Services in Nigeria 2014 survey showed that 36.9 million adults, representing 39.5% of adult population, are financially excluded. Only 33.9 million adults are banked, representing 36.3% of adult population.

The results of the EFInA Access to Financial Services in Nigeria 2012 survey showed that 34.9 million adults representing 39.7% of the adult population were financially excluded. Only 28.6 million adults were banked representing 32.5% of the adult population.