Descriptive Analysis of Mobile Money Transaction Data in Rural Sokoto State

Mobile money services have rapidly expanded in northern Nigeria as a financial inclusion tool, and understanding transaction patterns in rural areas informs product design and regulatory policy. This study conducted a descriptive analysis of anonymised mobile money transaction records provided by a licensed Mobile Money Operator for rural customers in Tambuwal, Birnin Kebbi, and Kebbe Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, North West Nigeria. Twelve months of transaction data covering 18,400 unique accounts included transaction type, value, frequency, timing, and network coverage zone. Results revealed that cash-in and cash-out transactions together represented 72.4 percent of all transactions, indicating that most customers used mobile wallets as a conduit rather than a savings vehicle. Mean monthly transaction value was N34,200, below the national average. Peer-to-peer transfers grew 38.1 percent month-on-month during the agricultural planting season. Bill payment was the lowest-used service at 3.2 percent of transactions. Transaction frequency peaked on market days (Mondays and Thursdays) and on salary payment days around the 25th of each month. Female account holders demonstrated lower average transaction values but higher frequency, suggesting use for small household expenditures. Network coverage downtime was associated with 22.6 percent fewer transactions on affected days. Recommendations include expanding agent networks to daily market locations, designing goal-based savings products for agricultural households, developing offline transaction capability for low-connectivity zones, and integrating targeted credit products for customers with established transaction histories.

Keywords: mobile money, rural transactions, Sokoto State, financial inclusion, descriptive analytics