Consumer Trust and Adoption of Mobile Banking Services in Sokoto State

This study examines the relationship between consumer trust and adoption of mobile banking services among residents of Sokoto State, North West Nigeria. Mobile banking has emerged as a transformative financial technology tool in Nigeria, enabling access to financial services in areas with limited physical bank branch infrastructure. Sokoto State, characterised by relatively low financial inclusion rates and predominantly rural demographics, represents a critical context for understanding the role of trust in technology adoption. The study adopts a descriptive survey design, with 260 adult residents selected through cluster sampling across urban and semi-urban areas of Sokoto. A structured questionnaire measures dimensions of trust including institutional trust, technology trust, and social trust, as well as mobile banking adoption behaviour. Analysis uses descriptive statistics and logistic regression. The study also evaluates how prior mobile phone experience moderates the trust-adoption relationship. Preliminary findings suggest that institutional trust (confidence in the sponsoring bank) is the strongest predictor of adoption, while technology trust (belief in system security and reliability) serves as a necessary threshold condition. The research highlights the role of trusted social networks including religious and community leaders in promoting adoption among hesitant consumers. Recommendations are directed at commercial banks, fintech companies, and the Central Bank of Nigeria on designing trust-building mobile banking initiatives tailored to northern Nigerian demographics. Keywords: consumer trust, mobile banking, financial inclusion, Sokoto State, technology adoption