Digital Transformation and Organizational Performance in Nigerian Firms: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Digital transformation (DT) has emerged as a critical driver of competitiveness, efficiency and innovation in organizations worldwide. In Nigeria the digital economy now accounts for a substantial share of gross domestic product and is expanding rapidly across sectors such as manufacturing, finance, government and education. Yet many Nigerian firms still struggle to adopt high-end digital technologies, and the relationship between DT and organizational performance remains under-explored. This systematic review synthesizes empirical studies and policy documents published between 2020 and early 2026 to assess how DT influences organizational performance in Nigerian firms. Following explicit inclusion criteria, we reviewed 35 scholarly articles, reports and case studies covering manufacturing, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), public procurement, higher education and healthcare. The literature shows that DT drives operational efficiency, productivity and innovation, but that adoption is uneven across sectors and is constrained by inadequate infrastructure, limited skills and funding, weak strategic alignment and regulatory uncertainty. In manufacturing, digital tools such as enterprise resource planning (ERP), robotics and automation improve efficiency and staff productivity; however, uptake of advanced technologies remains low. SMEs benefit from digital platforms and human resource digitization but face barriers such as financial constraints and skills gaps. Public-sector digital procurement significantly enhances transparency and reduces costs, yet regulatory frameworks and institutional capacity still moderate the outcomes. The study concludes with recommendations for policymakers and business leaders to promote comprehensive digital strategies, invest in human capital and infrastructure, and create supportive ecosystems that harness the transformative potential of DT while minimizing its challenges.