Automation and Robotics Reshape Jobs in Nigeria, Study from Imo State University Finds
A new study by Dr. Callistus Ogu and Peterdamian Ifeanyi Opara of Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria, highlights how automation and robotics are transforming employment in Nigeria’s banking and retail sectors. Published in 2026 in the International Journal of Sustainable Social Science (IJSSS), the research shows that while automated machines are reducing some traditional jobs, they are also creating new employment opportunities that require advanced technological skills.
The findings come at a time when many developing economies are debating the impact of artificial intelligence and automation on the future of work. Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest economies, faces both the opportunities and challenges of technological transformation. Understanding how automation affects employment is therefore critical for policymakers, educators, and businesses seeking to prepare the workforce for a rapidly evolving digital economy.
Automation and the Changing Nature of Work
Across the world, technological innovation has significantly increased productivity in industries ranging from manufacturing to financial services. Automated systems and robotics can perform repetitive tasks faster and more accurately than human workers. Companies adopt these technologies to improve efficiency, reduce operational costs, and deliver faster services.
However, this technological shift has raised concerns about job displacement. Routine administrative tasks, data processing, and customer service functions are increasingly handled by digital platforms, automated machines, and self-service systems.
In Nigeria, the banking and retail sectors have begun integrating automated technologies such as digital transaction platforms, automated teller systems, and computerized inventory management. While these technologies streamline operations, they also reshape workforce structures, raising questions about how employees adapt to new technological environments.
The research conducted by Callistus Ogu and Peterdamian Ifeanyi Opara provides empirical insights into these changes by examining how automation affects workers directly employed in these sectors.
Research Method and Data Collection
The study used a descriptive survey approach to analyze the relationship between automated machines, robotics, and employment patterns in Nigeria. Data were collected through structured questionnaires distributed to employees working in banks and retail businesses in Owerri, Imo State.
Owerri was selected as the study location because it is a major economic and administrative hub in southeastern Nigeria. The city hosts numerous commercial banks and retail outlets, making it a suitable environment for examining the adoption of automated technologies in service-based industries.
The researchers analyzed the data using statistical methods to determine whether automation significantly influences employment conditions and organizational performance. The analysis included descriptive statistics and inferential tests, particularly the t-test, to evaluate the relationship between technological adoption and employment outcomes.
Participants in the study represented diverse demographic backgrounds. Many respondents were within the 21–30 age group, reflecting the young workforce that dominates Nigeria’s service sector. Most participants also possessed tertiary education qualifications, indicating that the modern workforce in banking and retail industries increasingly requires formal education and digital literacy.
Key Findings of the Study
The research identifies several important insights about how automation and robotics influence employment in Nigeria’s service industries.
1. Automation contributes to job reduction in routine tasks
One of the most significant findings is that automated machines have a measurable impact on the reduction of certain routine jobs in banking and retail sectors. Tasks that previously required manual processing—such as basic transactions, record keeping, and simple customer services—are increasingly handled by automated systems.
As a result, organizations require fewer employees for repetitive administrative roles.
2. Robotics improves efficiency and organizational performance
Despite the reduction of some roles, automation and robotics enhance operational efficiency in organizations. Automated technologies help companies process transactions faster, reduce human errors, and improve service delivery.
This technological integration allows businesses to focus more on strategic operations rather than routine processes, leading to higher productivity and improved organizational performance.
3. New job opportunities emerge in technology-related roles
The study also highlights a less discussed dimension of automation: the creation of new jobs. As organizations adopt advanced technologies, they require workers who can operate, maintain, and manage these systems.
These emerging roles often involve:
-digital system management
-data analysis
-technology maintenance
-IT support and cybersecurity
Employees with digital and technical skills therefore have greater opportunities in an automated economy.
4. Government policies can reduce negative employment effects
Another key finding emphasizes the importance of government intervention and policy support. Strategic policies can help mitigate job displacement caused by automation.
The researchers suggest that governments can support workforce adaptation through:
-reskilling and upskilling programs
-technology-oriented education policies
-collaboration between industries and training institutions
Such policies can help workers transition into new technology-driven roles.
Implications for Economic Development
The study provides important insights for policymakers and business leaders across developing economies. Automation does not necessarily lead to widespread unemployment. Instead, it changes the structure of employment by shifting demand toward more technologically skilled workers.
According to Dr. Callistus Ogu of Imo State University, organizations should adopt automation gradually while ensuring that employees receive proper training to adapt to new technological systems. Workforce development strategies will be essential for ensuring that technological advancement benefits both businesses and employees.
For Nigeria and other developing countries, preparing workers for the digital economy is a key step toward sustainable economic growth. Educational institutions and training programs must therefore emphasize digital skills, innovation, and technological literacy.
By aligning education systems with technological development, countries can transform automation from a potential threat into a powerful driver of economic productivity and employment opportunities.
Author Profiles
Dr. Callistus Ogu is a researcher at Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria. His research focuses on labor economics, technological transformation, and the socioeconomic impact of digital innovation.
Peterdamian Ifeanyi Opara is also affiliated with Imo State University and specializes in digital economy studies, technology adoption, and the evolving relationship between innovation and employment.
Both researchers examine how emerging technologies—including automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence—affect workforce dynamics and economic development in developing countries.
Research Source
Ogu, Callistus & Opara, Peterdamian Ifeanyi. (2026).
“Automated Machines, Robotics and its Impact on Employment in Nigeria.”
International Journal of Sustainable Social Science (IJSSS), Vol. 4 No. 1, pp. 33–62.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59890/ijsss.v4i1.178
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