Analysis of the Legal Framework for Consumer Protection in Nigeria’s Banking Sector: Evidence from Kaduna State

Consumer protection in Nigeria's banking sector has gained prominence in the context of widespread complaints about unauthorised charges, unfair contract terms, and inadequate dispute resolution mechanisms. The Central Bank of Nigeria's Consumer Protection Framework of 2016 represents a significant regulatory intervention, yet its practical impact on banking consumers in states beyond the commercial centres remains understudied. This research analyses the legal framework for banking consumer protection in Nigeria, with empirical focus on the experiences of bank customers in Kaduna State, North West Nigeria. A survey methodology was adopted, administering structured questionnaires to 180 current account and loan facility holders in Kaduna metropolis and Zaria. Secondary data was sourced from CBN consumer reports, National Consumer Council publications, and academic studies from 2019 to 2024. The findings indicate that many consumers in Kaduna State are unaware of their rights under the Consumer Protection Framework, and few have successfully utilised formal complaint channels. Cases of fraudulent deductions and opaque loan terms were frequently reported. The study identifies limited CBN field presence outside Lagos as a structural weakness in enforcement. Recommendations include the decentralisation of CBN consumer complaints handling, mandatory plain-language disclosure requirements for banking products, and public education campaigns on financial consumer rights. This research contributes to the banking law and consumer protection literature in North West Nigeria. Keywords: consumer protection, banking regulation, Kaduna State, CBN framework, financial rights.