Application of Electronic Records Management Systems in Nigerian Commercial Banks: Evidence from Access Bank and First Bank

This study applies professional ERMS frameworks to examine the electronic records management systems deployed by Access Bank and First Bank of Nigeria, with a focus on implementation depth, user adoption, and operational outcomes. Commercial banks in Nigeria generate extraordinarily high volumes of transactional, regulatory, and administrative records daily, making robust electronic records management a core operational and compliance requirement. The research employs a comparative case study design, targeting records managers, compliance officers, and ICT staff in the Lagos headquarters and three regional branches of each bank. Data are collected through structured questionnaires, system usage logs, and semi-structured interviews with key informants. The study draws on the ISO 15489 Records Management Standard and the MoReq2 ERMS specification, with reference to professional and academic literature from 2020 to 2024. Key dimensions examined include metadata management, access controls, audit trail functionality, and retention scheduling compliance. The comparative approach reveals differential adoption patterns across both institutions. Recommendations are directed at the two banks' compliance and records management divisions and the Central Bank of Nigeria. Keywords: electronic records management, commercial banks, ERMS, First Bank, Access Bank