Assessment of Perception of the Cashless Policy and Its Perceived Impact on Livelihood and Health-care Access in Nigeria

Abstract Background: The introduction of the cashless policy by the Nigerian government and the Central Bank of Nigeria was aimed at reducing the quantity of actual cash in circulation and promoting an increase in electronic-based transactions for the purchase of goods and services. However, the unforeseen effects of the cashless economy’s flaws have affected various industries, including the health sector. This study will, therefore, aim to assess the perception of the cashless policy and its perceived impact on livelihood and health-care access in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among residents across three states (Oyo, Lagos, and Jigawa) in Nigeria. We assessed respondents’ opinions about the cashless policy, we assessed the perceived impact of the cashless policy on livelihood and health care, and we assessed respondents’ coping methods to the cashless policy. The opinions of respondents, the perceived impact of the cashless policy, and the coping methods were all presented in tables and appropriate graphical illustrations and charts. Results: Overall, most of our respondents believe that the cashless policy was bad. Some respondents lost their jobs and experienced reduced income while many also reported that the policy has made life generally difficult for them. Most respondents skipped meals as a way of coping with the effect of the cashless policy, while many others have had to adopt the use of smartphones and POS machines as a substitute for cash transactions. Conclusion: The analysis of our findings revealed that the cashless policy created difficulty for people and resulted in lower living standards. Given the report of loss of jobs and growing poverty, the nation faces an increased danger of crime. Hence, the government, banking sector, and other pertinent stakeholders must make sure that the infrastructures required for the seamless execution of the cashless policy are in place.