Determinants of Mobile Banking Adoption Among Unbanked Populations in Rural Kogi State: An Empirical Investigation

Financial inclusion through mobile banking represents one of Nigeria's most significant policy priorities, yet adoption among the unbanked rural poor in the North Central region remains persistently low despite expanded network coverage. This study empirically investigates the determinants of mobile banking adoption among unbanked rural residents in Kogi State, drawing on an extended Technology Acceptance Model incorporating trust, perceived risk, digital literacy, and cultural norms. A cross-sectional survey of 420 unbanked adults in Kabba-Bunu, Ijumu, and Yagba East Local Government Areas was conducted using multistage cluster sampling. Structural equation modelling was applied to test the hypothesised relationships between determinants and adoption intention. Results show that perceived usefulness and trust are the strongest positive determinants of adoption intention, while perceived risk and low digital literacy exert significant negative effects. Contrary to expectations, social influence was not a statistically significant predictor after controlling for digital literacy levels, suggesting that peer effects are mediated by individuals' ability to use mobile devices. The study contributes to the mobile banking adoption literature by providing evidence from a marginalised North Central Nigerian context rarely represented in existing research. Policy implications for the Central Bank of Nigeria's National Financial Inclusion Strategy are articulated, including targeted mobile money agent deployment in underserved rural communities. Keywords: mobile banking, financial inclusion, rural Nigeria, Kogi State, Technology Acceptance Model.