ATM transactions in Nigeria witnessed a massive surge throughout 2025, climbing by over two hundred percent compared to the previous year. New data reveals that the total value of these transactions skyrocketed to 89.12 trillion naira, a significant leap from the 29.12 trillion naira recorded in 2024.
This upward trend is highlighted in the latest annual report from the Central Bank of Nigeria. The regulatory body attributes the jump to a variety of factors, including a steady shift in user preferences, the widespread adoption of digital banking tools, a booming e-commerce sector, and noticeable improvements in underlying financial infrastructure.
Beyond just the ATM figures, the broader landscape of electronic payments also maintained a steady growth trajectory. The total volume of e-payment transactions climbed to 47.88 billion in 2025, up from 46.65 billion the year prior. In monetary terms, this represents a 26 percent increase, with transaction values hitting 4,360.33 trillion naira against the 3,458.77 trillion naira seen in 2024.
A closer look at specific channels reveals that ATMs led the charge, recording a volume increase of nearly 62 percent to reach 1.66 billion transactions. Other methods saw growth as well, with Unstructured Supplementary Service Data transactions jumping by almost 21 percent to 669.55 million, while Point of Sale usage rose by roughly 20 percent to 15.66 billion. Interestingly, some other channels, such as mobile apps and direct debits, actually saw a slight dip in transaction volume during the same period.
While the figures point toward a more digital-leaning economy, the Central Bank also issued a word of caution. The report noted that the rapid growth in the payment sector is not without its challenges. Specifically, regulators highlighted persistent concerns regarding systemic risks, the heavy reliance on a small number of major payment providers, and the ongoing threats posed by cyberattacks, financial fraud, and the operations of unlicensed entities within the system.
