Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Digital Insurance Platforms (Insurtech) has increasingly attracted the attention of researchers, regulators, and practitioners concerned with insurance patronage. This growing interest reflects the recognition that digital insurance platforms (insurtech) does not operate in isolation, but interacts with a wider set of institutional and market conditions found within Sokoto State.

Within the context of Sokoto State, this relationship carries particular significance. Organizations in this setting operate under a distinct combination of economic, regulatory, and market conditions that may amplify or dampen the effect of digital insurance platforms (insurtech) on insurance patronage, making a context-specific inquiry both timely and necessary.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

While digital insurance platforms (insurtech) is widely discussed in policy and industry circles, empirical evidence on its actual effect on insurance patronage within Sokoto State remains sparse and, in places, contradictory. This lack of localized, rigorous evidence makes it difficult for decision-makers to know with confidence whether current approaches to digital insurance platforms (insurtech) are helping or hindering insurance patronage — a gap this study sets out to close.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To examine the effect of Digital Insurance Platforms (Insurtech) on insurance patronage in Sokoto State.
2. To assess the extent to which digital insurance platforms (insurtech) influences insurance patronage within the study area.
3. To identify the challenges associated with digital insurance platforms (insurtech) in relation to insurance patronage.
4. To recommend strategies for optimizing digital insurance platforms (insurtech) in order to improve insurance patronage.

1.4 Research Questions

1. What is the effect of digital insurance platforms (insurtech) on insurance patronage in Sokoto State?
2. To what extent does digital insurance platforms (insurtech) influence insurance patronage within the study area?
3. What challenges are associated with digital insurance platforms (insurtech) in relation to insurance patronage?
4. What strategies can be adopted to optimize digital insurance platforms (insurtech) in order to improve insurance patronage?

1.5 Significance of the Study

This study is significant to a range of stakeholders. For policymakers and regulators, the findings offer evidence to guide the design of frameworks that support healthier outcomes around insurance patronage. For managers and practitioners within Sokoto State, the study provides practical insight into how digital insurance platforms (insurtech) can be better managed. Finally, it contributes to the academic literature on insurance by extending existing knowledge into a specific empirical context, and offers a reference point for future researchers.

1.6 Scope of the Study

In terms of scope, this study confines itself to Sokoto State, focusing specifically on how digital insurance platforms (insurtech) relates to insurance patronage within that setting. Findings are interpreted within these boundaries rather than as universal claims applicable to every organization or market.