The Internet and the commercial sector of the Nigerian economy: policy and technology management implications

Abstract

The socio-economic benefits of the Internet, which is the global information super highway, cannot be over-emphasised. Its importance to the commercial life of any nation is compelling. This paper examines the contributions of the Internet to the Nigerian Commercial Sector, and its policy and technology management implications. The policy and technology management implications of the Internet on Nigerian commerce involve major key-players in the provision and usage of Internet services. The key-players are the government, internet service providers (ISPs), the organised private sector, the management of the national carrier NITEL and the mains utility board NEPA. The policy and technology management implications identified which form the basis for maintaining an operative balance between the key-players are the need for both ISPs and the corporate users to carry out SWOT analysis, and the effective monitoring of the ISPs by the National Communications Commission (NCC). Others include the need for enhancement of cooperation amongst the international bodies, and the provision of adequate and well functioning telecommunications and electricity services. In addition, there is the imperative need for adequate training on the acquisition of basic skills in information technology (IT), and awareness propaganda of Internet services to sensitise the general public on the services available on the global information super highway.