Visa Study: 88% in Nigeria Use AI to Shop, But Trust is Key at Checkout

The study, conducted by Wakefield Research, paints a picture of a consumer base increasingly reliant on AI-powered tools to navigate the world of online commerce. A staggering 88% of Nigerians have used AI to shop, with 97% swearing by its ability to speed up the process. Consumers are embracing AI in all its forms, from price comparisons to gift ideas, and even reviews and product ratings.

But, as the numbers show, trust in AI remains a distant second to its convenience. Only 34% of respondents trust AI agents to complete checkout, a figure that's unlikely to reassure the 51% who've fallen victim to financial scams in the past year. The irony is clear: Nigerians want the benefits of AI-driven shopping, but they're not willing to sacrifice their security for it.

Shopping through social media has become the norm in Nigeria, but with it comes a whole new set of risks.

The study reveals that 83% of consumers have purchased directly through social media platforms, a figure that's bound to send shivers down the spines of social media giants. But, as the statistics show, this convenience comes at a price. 57% of those who've experienced scams report that they happened on social media, highlighting the need for greater vigilance in the age of social commerce.

As AI adoption grows, so too does the expectation of trust. But, as the numbers show, Nigerians are still wary of handing over their security to machines.

The study reveals a curious disconnect between Nigerians' perception of AI and their willingness to trust it. On the one hand, 76% believe AI has made scams easier to recognize today, and 89% think it will play a critical role in protecting consumers from fraud in the future. But, on the other hand, only 34% trust AI agents to complete checkout.

In the age of agentic commerce, trust will be the key to unlocking the full potential of AI-driven shopping.

As AI adoption continues to grow, Nigerians will need to reconcile their desire for convenience with their need for security. The Visa study offers a glimmer of hope, with 64% of respondents saying that alerts when something looks suspicious would make them feel more secure paying online. It's a small step towards building trust, but one that could have a significant impact in the long run.

In conclusion, the Visa study paints a complex picture of Nigerians' relationship with AI-driven shopping. While the benefits of AI in making online transactions faster and easier, trust remains a major stumbling block at checkout. As consumers increasingly rely on AI to navigate the world of online commerce, it's up to businesses and policymakers to address this trust paradox head-on.