Nigerian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) show a gap between interest in integrated business tools and current use, while Visa’s survey records operational difficulties and possible uses for linked payment data.
In Visa’s Pay and Get Paid 2026 study, 94% of 251 Nigerian SMEs surveyed found an all-in-one payments and business-management solution appealing. By comparison, 29% said they already use an integrated platform. Visa said most surveyed businesses use digital payments, but did not give a percentage. The figures distinguish broad use of digital payments from use of a system that also handles business-management tasks.
Respondents reported difficulty organizing payroll records (19%), preparing financial reports (16%) and tracking outstanding invoices (14%). The study also listed adoption concerns: 8% said manual processes worked for them, 8% worried a new platform could disrupt operations, and 7% did not trust relying on one provider.
The study measures stated appeal and current use separately; it does not present appeal as a purchase commitment. Visa framed integrated tools as a way to connect transaction activity with routine business administration. Among SMEs already using an integrated tool or platform, 93% reported satisfaction and 88% said the tools improved efficiency.
Visa said linked payment and business-management data could give financial institutions a clearer view of SME cash flows for risk assessment and might support more relevant financing offers. The company described these financing uses as potential applications of the data, not as lending outcomes already achieved.
“The next opportunity lies in helping businesses get more value from those transactions,” said Andrew Uaboi, Visa West Africa vice president and cluster head.
The study was based on face-to-face interviews with business owners and financial decision-makers across 11 markets in March and April 2026. The Nigerian sample included 251 SMEs.
