Over the past few years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has silently crept into Nigeria’s banking halls, and most customers don’t even know it. From the way you chat...

Over the past few years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has silently crept into Nigeria’s banking halls, and most customers don’t even know it. From the way you chat with your bank to how your loan application is approved, AI now plays a huge role in determining your financial future. Major banks like GTCO, Access Bank, and UBA have deployed AI-powered chatbots that record conversations, track service requests, and predict what customers might want next. What many people don’t realize is that these AI systems don’t just answer your questions—they’re learning from every click, every transfer, and every complaint you make.

Fintech apps like Kuda, FairMoney, and Carbon take it even further. Instead of traditional credit checks, these apps use machine learning to study your transaction history, airtime recharge patterns, and even the way you shop online. Within minutes, they can decide if you deserve a loan or not—without you ever meeting a bank officer.

Fraud or Safety? The Controversy

On one hand, AI is helping Nigerian banks fight fraud, saving the industry billions of naira each year. On the other hand, privacy advocates are worried. Who controls the data? How much of your personal life is being tracked? Could these systems one day be used against innocent customers?

These are the questions Nigerians need to start asking, especially as AI becomes more deeply entrenched in financial operations.

What This Means for You? Well, if you’re wondering whether to trust AI in banking, here’s the reality: AI isn’t going away. In fact, by 2030, experts predict that almost every bank transaction in Nigeria will be touched by AI in some form. But customers must remain vigilant. Always read the terms and conditions before signing up for fintech apps, regularly update your passwords, and demand transparency from your bank on how your data is being used.