ABSTRACT
Despite widespread poverty in the rural areas of Nigeria, untapped savings do exist that could be used for capital accumulation and economic
empowerment. The level of funds mobilized by banks is quite low due to poor banking habits and cultural orientation of the people. Most banks are
located in urban or semi-urban areas denying majority of rural populace access to formal banking services that could have enhance their investment potential. It is against this background that this study assessed the impact of rural savings mobilization on economic empowerment in Nigeria. A
descriptive research method was adopted for this study. Chi-square and Regression Analysis was used in testing the hypothesis formulated for the
study. The findings of the study showed that rural savings institutions have a significant impact on economic empowerment in Nigeria through savings mobilization and loans given to people for investment purposes. It also revealed that the level of savings is significant and attitude of rural people towards savings institutions is positive. Based on the hypotheses tested it is therefore recommended that there should be financial intermediaries to mobilizes rural savings through adequate enlightenment of the rural populace on the importance of savings and the benefits to savers and the economy.
