A critical assessment of Nigeria's presence on the Cyberspace

Abstract

This paper presents a study of the Nigeria's presence in Cyberspace. The Cyberspace (Internet) is now critical to every nation's socio-economic, cultural and political activities. When it is disrupted or fails, can grind a nation to a standstill. On the contrary, its correct functioning and pliability is transforming modern society with exceptional pecuniary and social benefits. With nearly all traditional activities increasingly moving to the Internet, Cyberspace has become a new stage for innovations, enterprises, social networking, criminality and war. For this study, the United Nations (UN) e-governance framework was used, the highlights of the United Nations E-Government Survey report of 2014 was analyzed to show the ranking of the world leaders, West African countries and where Nigeria stands. The Internet penetration growth and evolving Internet infrastructure provisioning in Nigeria were reviewed and a critical assessment of Nigeria's presence on the Cyberspace was carried out using the UN online presence index methodology between the months of August and September 2015. The web content, interactivity, the currency of information, downloadable documents, etc. were used to compare various sectors of the Nigerian economy; all tiers of government, academia, and the organized private sector. The study revealed that the organized private sector and private educational institutions are doing better than government educational institutions and ministries. Based on international best practices, a list of recommended actions for increasing cyberspace presence and achieving e-governance for improved services and productivity in Nigeria and similar developing countries is proffered.