In 2026, it is difficult to walk through a busy Nigerian market or street without spotting a kiosk displaying a sign that reads "POS Available."

Point of Sale (POS) machines, which were kept strictly inside commercial banks and luxury hotels between 2002 and 2012, are now in the hands of virtually any trader on the streets of Lagos.

Widespread commercial adoption and the agent banking business model, however, did not begin until 2013, following the Central Bank of Nigeria's policy framework for financial inclusion. Under this model, local businesses and individual agents act as service points for financial institutions, allowing customers to carry out everyday transactions without visiting a bank branch. As agent banking expanded, fintech providers such as Paga, OPay, Moniepoint and PalmPay helped make POS services a familiar part of daily life in many Nigerian communities.

Running a POS business has improved financial inclusion and technological literacy for thousands of Nigerian women. Without taking formal computer courses, operating these terminals daily has naturally upgraded their digital skills.

A female POS operator in Ketu Market told Technext in an interview that learning to operate a POS machine takes less than 30 minutes.

"When you collect the POS machine from the brand's local office or a field agent, they will turn it on, insert a SIM card, and walk you through your very first transaction, like a test withdrawal and a test transfer, to make sure you know what to press," she said.

What happens after that depends on the operator, the device and the services available. Behind these transactions, however, are women learning to use technology.

Mrs Oyewunmi is one example. She graduated with a National Diploma in Accounting in 2022 and, after struggling to find a corporate job, turned to hairstyling. Some customers wanted to pay electronically or withdraw cash, but she did not have a POS machine. Another hairstylist introduced her to Moniepoint, and she began learning how to use its POS machine and mobile application. When she encounters technical problems, she sometimes consults Google for answers. That is how technologically aware Nigerian women have become, regardless of profession.

As these women serve their customers, here are the 10 ways running a POS business has made them tech-savvy.

1. Exposure to Electronic Transactions

Running a POS business has exposed Nigerian women to different types of electronic transactions. Over time, they become more familiar with how money moves between accounts, how credits and debits work, and why transaction charges may apply. They also learn to distinguish between the amount a customer pays and the amount they receive after applicable fees.

2. Hands-On Device Operation

Operating a POS machine requires more than pressing a few buttons. Users must navigate the interface, enter transaction amounts, select the appropriate service and follow the instructions displayed on the screen. With regular use, these tasks become easier, helping operators grow more comfortable interacting with digital devices.

3. Mobile Banking and Agent Applications

Many POS operators use mobile banking or agent applications to receive money, manage transactions and access other financial services. Learning to navigate these apps introduces operators to digital functions such as checking account balances, reviewing transaction histories and locating specific services within an application. The features available depend on the app and account type.

4. Basic Troubleshooting Skills

A POS transaction can fail because of network problems, card-related issues or a service disruption. When this happens, operators need to understand the error message, identify what might have gone wrong and determine the appropriate next step. This process can help them develop basic troubleshooting skills, from checking an internet connection to consulting the service provider when a problem persists.

5. Networking Fundamentals

Some POS terminals rely on mobile networks to process transactions. Operators who use a smartphone hotspot to connect their terminal to the internet learn how to enable mobile data, activate the hotspot and connect another device to it. This introduces practical networking concepts and demonstrates how different devices can work together to complete a task.

6. Reading Digital Transaction Records

Digital transaction histories help operators review payments, identify previous transactions and investigate discrepancies. As they handle more business, they become more familiar with transaction references, timestamps, amounts and status notifications. Understanding these records helps determine whether a transaction was successful, pending or unsuccessful before taking further action.

7. Online Research Skills

When operators encounter an unfamiliar feature or technical problem, online resources can help them understand what to do next. Searching Google, reading a device manual or contacting agents teaches them how to find and interpret technical information. These research skills can also prove useful when learning to use other digital tools beyond the POS business.

8. Broader Financial Technology Literacy

Operating a POS business can increase exposure to different financial technologies, including automated teller machines (ATMs), debit cards and electronic banking services. Understanding how to insert a card, follow on-screen instructions, enter a PIN securely and complete a withdrawal can make these services easier to navigate. The extent of this learning, however, depends on the operator's experience beyond the POS terminal itself.

9. Fraud Awareness and Payment Security

Handling electronic payments makes it important to understand how to protect financial information and verify transactions. POS operators need to know why PINs and passwords should remain private, why transaction alerts must be checked carefully, and why a screenshot or verbal confirmation alone may not prove that money has arrived. These practices can improve awareness of digital fraud and promote safer ways to use financial technology.

10. Independent Digital Confidence

The more operators interact with digital tools, the more opportunities they have to learn how those tools work. Tasks that initially require another person's guidance may become easier with practice, whether that means navigating a banking app, connecting a device to the internet or reviewing a transaction. Running a POS business can therefore provide a practical setting for building digital confidence and handling routine tasks independently.