This research investigates the influence of emotional intelligence (EI) on employee performance, specifically in relation to employee efficiency, in selected National Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) in Nigeria. Positioning Nigeria’s mortgage banking industry within a wider performance unease, with issues such as low morale, a lack of leadership and workplace conflict; all symptoms of disengaged employees that are subsequently affecting productivity the study takes place under the clouds of impending global job services crises. In contrast, National PMBs, which have a strategic role in extending the mortgage finance market space, are faced with under-reach that jeopardizes their mandate and delivery of service. The study takes Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence Theory as its principal theoretical framework (which draws on Self-Regulation Theory in part) and conceptualizes EI through Markers four core dimensions, namely self-awareness, self-regulation, social skills, and empathy; and how these are linked to employee efficiency defined as timely task execution with accuracy and a minimum expenditure of resources. The study uses a quantitative research approach by using structured questionnaires, targeting employees in six National PMBs accredited by FMBN and located in Abuja with data collection conducted within the first quarter of 2026. The EI dimensions are analyzed for their effect on employee efficiency using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The review of related literature shows that, while EI has been researched on a considerable number in education, general banking and other sectors, there is distinct gap to the organized application; from studies perspective EI to efficiency of employee frameworks within the context on Nigeria mortgage banking industry. It is expected that the study would address this gap to contribute to academic discourse and provide practical implications for managers, human resource practitioners, regulators and employees seeking to integrate EI into recruitment, training, performance management and policy frameworks for enhanced efficiency which ultimately will lead to better overall institutional performance in National PMBs.
Keywords: Emotional Intelligence (EI), Empathy, Employee Performance, Self-Awareness, Social Skills, primary mortgage banks (PMBS), self-regulation
