The Nigerian Navy’s financial management faces significant challenges due to manual processes, fragmented systems, weak auditability, and poor integration with national treasury mechanisms. This paper proposes a comprehensive digital transformation model leveraging blockchain technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and Treasury Single Account (TSA) integration to modernize naval finance operations. Grounded in principles of security, transparency, interoperability, and automation, the model introduces blockchain-enabled audit trails to ensure immutable transaction records, AI-driven budget forecasting for predictive financial planning, and seamless TSA connectivity for real-time cash flow monitoring. By addressing inefficiencies in budget forecasting, procurement transparency, and fiscal control, the model enhances financial discipline and operational readiness. It also promotes institutional accountability and fiscal agility essential for sustaining naval capabilities within constrained defense budgets. Strategic recommendations focus on policy reforms, leadership engagement, capacity building, and cross-departmental collaboration to facilitate sustainable adoption of this digital architecture. This framework positions the Nigerian Navy at the forefront of public sector financial innovation, aligning with global best practices.
This study delves into how blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and financial technology (FinTech) can complement one another to propel inclusive banking with regard to emerging economies like Nigeria. It examines how the convergence of these technologies has the potential to improve the provision of service, lower costs of operation, improve financial inclusivity, and improve security in the financial industry. The research also investigates how AI can be leveraged to make informed decisions based on data, how blockchain technology can provide transparency and immutability, and how FinTech platforms can provide underbanked and unbanked people with easily accessible alternatives to conventional financial services. Even though it brings advantages, the convergence also comes with devastating drawbacks, such as issues of data privacy, ethical dilemmas when using AI, scalability constraints of blockchain, cybersecurity threats, and unclear regulations. This paper identifies critical risks and offers strategic suggestions to financial institutions, technology disruptors, and policymakers based on a thorough conceptual analysis and review of the literature over the last few years. These include investing in digital infrastructure, encouraging ethical AI activities, improving regulatory environments, and creating public-private partnerships. The study concludes that although this intersection of these technologies has enormous potential for fueling inclusive finance, their use will need a balanced approach combining innovation with effective governance, moral protection, and human-centered design. Developing strong, accessible, and inclusive financial systems can be expedited by the synergy of blockchain, artificial intelligence, and fintech if harnessed correctly.