AN EVALUATION OF THE LEGAL REGIME OF ELECTRONIC COMMERCE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

The Nigerian Government has recognized the potential of ecommerce in boosting economic growth and job creation. Technological advancement, availability of Android phones and a large population of young tech-savvy Nigerians has created a fertile ground for e-commerce.  There is however no clear and comprehensive legislation to regulate the space. Existing and supportive legislations have been introduced to encourage the growth of the digital commerce ecosystem. These laws focus primarily on improving digital infrastructure, enhancing cyber security, and promoting a more inclusive and accessible digital economy. This work aims to evaluate these legislations in the light of operational challenges in the space like cyber security and data protection, trust deficit, delivery and payment issues, regulatory and infrastructural challenges. This paper employs a doctrinal method of legal research and finds that there are no clear legislation regulating the sector though there are supportive legislations on digital commerce. It is recommended that a comprehensive legislation on ecommerce business, with a healthy synergy with insurance companies will provide the needed boost in the sector. The laws on e-commerce are not adequate to address the gamut of issues in the space and cannot properly regulate the space