PATCH MANAGEMENT IN NIGERIAN BANKING INSTITUTIONS

This study examines the influence of patch management practices including vulnerability assessment, patch prioritization, verification, and continuous monitoring on organizational performance in Nigerian banking institutions. Driven by increasing cyber threats and growing dependence on digital banking infrastructure, the research investigates how effective patch management enhances system reliability, operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and customer trust. A descriptive survey design was employed, targeting IT, cybersecurity, and system maintenance personnel from five major Nigerian banks. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed with descriptive statistics and multiple regression techniques. Findings reveal that vulnerability assessment, patch prioritization, and verification/continuous monitoring all have significant positive effects on organizational performance, collectively explaining 96.6% of its variation. The study concludes that patch management functions as a crucial dynamic capability enabling Nigerian banks to remain secure, resilient, and competitive. It recommends enhanced automation, increased staff training, stronger adherence to patch schedules, and improved continuous monitoring processes to strengthen cybersecurity readiness across the sect