Effect of Digital Technology On the Performance of SMEs in North East, Nigeria

• Author(s): Abdullahi, Ramatu; Kushi Wakili Polmi
• Paper ID: 1719605
• Page: 893-903
• Published Date: 09-07-2026
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 10 Issue 1 July-2026

Abstract

This study examined the effect of digital technology on the performance of small and medium scale enterprises in North east Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design. The population of the study comprised 71,545 registered SMEs operating within the North East region of Nigeria. However, the Taro Yamane (1967) formula was used to determine a sample size of 398 respondents. The study further employed a convenience sampling technique to select and reach the respondents. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire designed on a 5-point Likert scale. The collected data were then analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The study found a positive and significant effect of both online payment systems and artificial intelligence adoption on the performance of SMEs in North east. Base on the study findings, it recommends that SMEs in should adopt more artificial intelligence tools and make sure they are used effectively in daily operations. This can be done by investing in affordable AI solutions and training staff to build digital skills. Finally, SMEs should strengthen the use of online payment systems by encouraging cashless transactions and using secure digital platforms. With proper training and reliable internet access, these tools will help improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance overall business performance.

Keywords

Digital Technology, Online Payment Systems, Artificial Intelligence Adoption and Performance.

Citations

IRE Journals:
Abdullahi, Ramatu, Kushi Wakili Polmi "Effect of Digital Technology On the Performance of SMEs in North East, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 10 Issue 1 2026 Page 893-903

IEEE:
Abdullahi, Ramatu, Kushi Wakili Polmi "Effect of Digital Technology On the Performance of SMEs in North East, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 10, no. 1, Jul. 2026

APA:
Abdullahi, Ramatu, Kushi Wakili Polmi (2026). Effect of Digital Technology On the Performance of SMEs in North East, Nigeria. Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 10(1).

MLA:
Abdullahi, Ramatu, Kushi Wakili Polmi "Effect of Digital Technology On the Performance of SMEs in North East, Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 10, no. 1, Jul. 2026.

BibTeX

@article{1719605,
author = {Abdullahi, Ramatu, Kushi Wakili Polmi},
title = {Effect of Digital Technology On the Performance of SMEs in North East, Nigeria},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {893-903},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1719605.pdf},
abstract = {This study examined the effect of digital technology on the performance of small and medium scale enterprises in North east Nigeria. The study adopted a survey research design. The population of the study comprised 71,545 registered SMEs operating within the North East region of Nigeria. However, the Taro Yamane (1967) formula was used to determine a sample size of 398 respondents. The study further employed a convenience sampling technique to select and reach the respondents. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire designed on a 5-point Likert scale. The collected data were then analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The study found a positive and significant effect of both online payment systems and artificial intelligence adoption on the performance of SMEs in North east. Base on the study findings, it recommends that SMEs in should adopt more artificial intelligence tools and make sure they are used effectively in daily operations. This can be done by investing in affordable AI solutions and training staff to build digital skills. Finally, SMEs should strengthen the use of online payment systems by encouraging cashless transactions and using secure digital platforms. With proper training and reliable internet access, these tools will help improve efficiency, reduce errors, and enhance overall business performance.},
keywords = {Digital Technology, Online Payment Systems, Artificial Intelligence Adoption and Performance.},
month = {July}
}