Regulation In Nigeria Research Articles

EFFECT OF DATA PROTECTION FRAMEWORKS AGAINST CYBERCRIMES ON CYBER SECURITY IN NIGERIA

The paper Effect of Data Security Frameworks against Cybercrimes and Cyber Security in Nigeria critically examines the various data protection frameworks in Nigeria and how these are impacting curtailing cybercrimes in the country. The paper examined the institutions responsible for data security and how they carry it out. The work utilized both the secondary and primary sources of data collection. Key Informant Interview (KII) and the observation method were deployed to collect primary data for the study. Information on data protection was also collected from (NDPC) and other relevant agencies. Information from reports from the internet, scholarly articles in journals, and information from websites and books were used in the paper. The paper utilised the Social Strain Theory (SST) as the theoretical framework for the study. The paper observed that data protection regulations in Nigeria make it mandatory for all Public Institutions (PIs) in Nigeria to have a comprehensive cyber security framework, which is to protect against unauthorized access. Several factors are responsible for data insecurity and the attendant increase in cybercrimes in the country. These include, among others: i. Lack of knowledge on the part of most officers of the penalty for data breach allowed by them. ii. Poor dissemination of the content of the NDPA. iii. The poor economic condition of the country makes many officers to seek means of getting extra money, this also includes their volunteering information that they should not disclose in the first place. The paper observed that though cyber security in Nigeria is not within the mandate of the EFCC, the Commission plays very important role in dealing with the threat of cybercrimes in Nigeria. Records shows that of the 12,394 convictions of the EFCC from inception till 31st December 2023. Over 80% of them are on cybercrime and related offences. The paper concluded that inspire of the efforts of the EFCC and other agencies in tackling cybercrimes in Nigeria, the failure of the data protection frameworks in the country in ensuring confidentiality, integrity and security of the data at their disposal is the reason for the spiralling of cybercrimes in the country. The paper recommends that the Nigerian government adopt the best practice policies and regulations, promote awareness, and continuously update cyber security practices, which is germane to enhancing data protection in the country.

Breaking Legal and Socio-economic Challenges to Plastic Waste Regulation in Nigeria: Lessons learned from Singapore

<div class="WordSection1"><div class="WordSection1"><p><em>Plastic, a versatile material derived from synthetic compounds, is widely employed globally due to its durability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of production. However, its improper disposal poses significant environmental threats. Despite concerted efforts, the indiscriminate dumping of plastic waste persists in the country's land and water environments. This study aims to comprehensively explore the legal guidelines and socio-economic initiatives relevant to plastic waste regulation, drawing inspiration from Singapore's successful model. Three hundred and ten questionnaires were also distributed among residents of Nigeria to achieve this objective. The data collected underwent thorough analysis, employing both descriptive and analytical methods. In this context, Singapore stands out as an exemplary model for Nigeria to emulate in addressing the challenges posed by plastic waste. Drawing inspiration from Singapore's successful strategies, It is imperative to meticulously regulate every stage, from production to disposal, to ensure environmental sustainability and minimize the detrimental impact of plastic pollution. The study found the need for more legislative measures in Nigeria to combat the pervasive problem of indiscriminate plastic waste disposal effectively. Also, The government should establish irresponsible plastic waste disposal's environmental and health risks and dumping of plastic waste.</em></p></div></div>

Evaluation of building regulations in Nigeria as regards energy efficiency

Evaluation of building regulations in Nigeria as regards energy efficiency

E-cigarettes in Nigeria: A scoping review of evidence.

E-cigarettes will continue to be a public health issue in Nigeria. To curb the growing menace of the e-cigarette use in Nigeria through evidence-based approach, it is crucial to first map the empirical research landscape of e-cigarettes in Nigeria. No known study has mapped the existing empirical evidence and gaps concerning e-cigarettes in Nigeria; hence, this scoping review was conducted. This scoping review adopted the research design by Arksey and O'Malley. Four databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL Complete, and APA PsycINFO) were searched to retrieve literature on e-cigarettes in Nigeria. With the aid of Rayyan web application, all retrieved literature were deduplicated and screened based on the review's eligibility criteria. Only those peer-reviewed journal papers meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the review. Relevant data from the included papers were charted, collated, and summarized. A total of six papers were included in this review. The reviewed papers reported a lifetime prevalence of e-cigarette use (or vaping) ranging from 5.8% to 19.8%, with a current e-cigarette use prevalence of 11.8%, among different population groups in Nigeria. The major determinants of e-cigarette use, as reported in these articles, include being a youth, having a health condition, severe anxiety, tobacco use, peer influence, and current alcohol use. Dry mouth and oral lesions (gingival inflammation and oral ulcers) were also identified to be the medical conditions associated with e-cigarette use in Nigeria. Lastly, one of the included papers identified a lack of clear regulation on e-cigarettes in Nigeria. There is an urgent need for more scientific investigations on the sociodemographic, economic, health, and regulatory landscape of e-cigarettes in Nigeria, as robust empirical evidence is needed for the effective planning, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based policies and interventions on e-cigarettes control and regulation in Nigeria.

Exploring herbal medicine regulation in Nigeria: Balancing traditional practices with modern standards

The regulation of herbal medicine in Nigeria stands at the intersection of tradition and modernity, presenting a complex landscape shaped by historical practices, cultural beliefs, and contemporary healthcare standards. This paper delves into the intricate dynamics surrounding the regulation of herbal medicine in Nigeria, aiming to elucidate the challenges and opportunities inherent in balancing traditional practices with modern regulatory standards. Drawing from a multidisciplinary approach encompassing medical anthropology, public health, and legal studies, this research explores the historical roots of herbal medicine in Nigeria, tracing its evolution from indigenous healing practices to its current status within the broader healthcare system. It examines the cultural significance of traditional medicine, considering its role in local communities and its enduring relevance in addressing healthcare needs, particularly in underserved rural areas. However, alongside the rich tapestry of traditional healing, concerns regarding safety, efficacy, and standardization have prompted calls for regulatory reforms to align herbal medicine practices with modern healthcare standards. This paper scrutinizes the existing regulatory frameworks governing herbal medicine in Nigeria, analyzing the strengths, weaknesses, and gaps therein. It explores the tension between preserving traditional knowledge and ensuring consumer protection, highlighting the need for a nuanced approach that respects cultural heritage while safeguarding public health. Furthermore, this research assesses the implications of regulatory interventions on various stakeholders, including herbal practitioners, consumers, and policymakers. It considers strategies for enhancing collaboration between traditional healers and the formal healthcare sector, fostering mutual respect, and promoting evidence-based practices. Ultimately, this study underscores the imperative of striking a delicate balance between tradition and modernity in regulating herbal medicine in Nigeria, advocating for a harmonized approach that upholds both cultural integrity and healthcare quality.

The Constraints to Effective Implementing of Illegal Logging Prohibition Regulation in Nigeria

Since the adoption of the Non-Legally Binding Authoritative Statement of Principles for Global Consensus on the Management, Conservation and Sustainable Development of all types of Forest at the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, the issue of combating deforestation remains one of the topical issues relating to climate change discussions globally. To combat deforestation, countries go beyond international conventions to institutionalize domestic frameworks to regulate illegal timber logging. However, the implementation of regulatory policies has been ineffective in countries like Nigeria. Situated within this problem, this study identified some domestic constraints affecting the effectiveness of timber logging regulation in Nigeria. To this end, data was collected from respondents using structured questionnaires. The data were analysed using the Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMC) at a 0.05 level of significance. Constraints identified are corruption, insufficient legal framework, lack of coordination in regulation enforcement, inadequate staff, and the state monopoly of forest ownership.

DIGITAL BANKING REGULATIONS: A COMPARATIVE REVIEW BETWEEN NIGERIA AND THE USA

This paper presents a comprehensive comparative review of digital banking regulations in Nigeria and the United States of America. The primary objective is to analyze and contrast the regulatory frameworks governing digital banking in these two countries, with a focus on understanding their impact on financial stability, consumer protection, and innovation in the banking sector. The methodology involves a detailed examination of existing literature, regulatory policies, and legal documents pertaining to digital banking in both Nigeria and the USA. This is complemented by interviews with key stakeholders in the banking industry, including regulators, bank executives, and fintech experts.
 Key findings reveal significant differences in the regulatory approaches of Nigeria and the USA. Nigeria's digital banking regulations are found to be more focused on promoting financial inclusion and mitigating systemic risks, reflecting the country's developing economic status and the need to address a large unbanked population. In contrast, the USA's regulations are more comprehensive and sophisticated, emphasizing consumer protection, data security, and maintaining a competitive market environment. The study also highlights the challenges and opportunities presented by these regulatory frameworks, particularly in terms of fostering innovation and adapting to emerging technologies in the banking sector. The conclusion underscores the importance of a balanced regulatory approach that safeguards the interests of consumers and the stability of the financial system, while also encouraging innovation and competition. The paper suggests that both Nigeria and the USA can learn from each other's regulatory practices to enhance their digital banking ecosystems. This comparative review provides valuable insights for policymakers, financial institutions, and other stakeholders in the global banking industry, aiming to navigate the complexities of digital banking regulation in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
 Keywords: Digital Banking, Regulatory Frameworks, Nigeria, USA, Financial Inclusion, Cybersecurity, Consumer Protection, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Federal Reserve, Fintech.

Freedom of Expression and Information Amidst Strict Social Media Regulation in Nigeria: An Appraisal of the Twitter Ban

Freedom of Expression and Information Amidst Strict Social Media Regulation in Nigeria: An Appraisal of the Twitter Ban

Tale of an ill-fated scapegoat: National security and the struggle for state regulation of social media in Nigeria

The struggle for state regulation of the social media in Nigeria today finds expression in the desperate efforts by state actors to foster a negative relationship between the platforms and national security. The ban on Twitter in the country recently is a manifestation of the grand plan to regulate social media operation, which has been on-going since the inception of the current administration in 2015, with the narrative of national security prominently featured as a key justification. Using data derived from secondary sources, this study underscores the struggle for state regulation of the social media in Nigeria and the accompanying implications. Drawing insights from two recent case studies in the country – the 2020 #EndSARS protest and 2021 Twitter ban, the study argues that attempts at social media regulation hinged on national security are counterproductive and, if actualized, will close up available spaces that citizens have at their disposal to engage in critical discourse on pressing national security issues. The study contends that social media are key tools for robust discourse towards facilitating responsive governance in the twenty-first century as experience in Nigeria recently has shown. Against this backdrop, it argues that although Nigeria is confronted with a multiplicity of security challenges at the moment, attempts at hinging this rising tide of insecurity on the social media with the aim of regulating them amount to a misplaced priority and present the platforms as ill-fated scapegoats. Arguments in the study suggest that the basic motivations for social media regulation in Nigeria are repressive in nature and portend damaging implications to the process of good governance and democratic consolidation.

Multisectoral action to address noncommunicable diseases: lessons from three country case studies.

Multisectoral action is a central component of the global response to the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). In this paper we aimed to unpack the definition of multisectoral action and provide an overview of the historical context, challenges, and recommendations alongside three country case studies: salt reduction in the UK, tobacco legislation in Nigeria, and regulation of edible oils in Iran. We used an iterative review process to select three country case studies from a list of 20 potential cases previously identified by WHO. At our third round of review we unanimously agreed to focus on salt reduction in the UK, tobacco regulation in Nigeria, and edible oil regulation in Iran as these represented rich cases on diverse risk factors from three different world regions that we felt offered important lessons. We conducted literature reviews to identify further data for each case study. Across the three studies a number of important themes emerged. We found that multisectoral approaches demand the often difficult reconciliation of competing and conflicting values and priorities. Across our three chosen cases, commercial interests and free trade agreements were the most common obstacles to successful multisectoral strategies. We found that early consultative stakeholder engagement and strong political and bureaucratic leadership were necessary for success. The complex multi-rooted nature of NCDs requires a multisectoral approach, but the inevitable conflicts that this entails requires careful navigation.

Transfer Pricing Documentation Methods in Nigeria: A Critique of the Prime Plastichem Case Against International Best Practices

The quest to ensure that the tax planning activities of multinational enterprises operating in Nigeria do not erode the country's domestic tax base has led to the enactment and enforcement of the Transfer Pricing (TP) Regulations, 2018 in Nigeria. The TP Regulation provides for a comprehensive framework to ensure that the pricing of related party transactions is consistent with global best practices on TP. The enforcement of the TP Regulation in Nigeria was taken a step further in 2020 when the Tax Appeal Tribunal affirmed the imposition by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) of liability of over one billion naira on Prime Plastichem Nigeria Limited for failing to apply consistent TP methods in the financial years 2013 and 2014. While this decision was hailed as Nigeria's first decision of the Tax Appeal Tribunal (TAT) dealing with transfer pricing, the decision has been criticised for failing to apply the global standards for TP documentation. This article seeks to critique the principles of TP documentation espoused in the Prime Plastichem case vis-à-vis international best practices on transfer pricing documentation.

(NESREA) and the Challenges of Environmental Regulation in Nigeria

(NESREA) and the Challenges of Environmental Regulation in Nigeria

Cyber Security and Data Protection as Tools for the Attainment of a Smart Nation: The Nigerian Example

Advancement in technology and globalization has led to newer forms of challenges such as the increased demand for individual data by governmental agencies and corporate bodies. This increased advancement and dependence on technology have made digital information to have a wider coverage than ever. This wider coverage of digital information comes with its attendant consequences of increased cybercrime and data right violation. This study takes an overview of the current state of cyber security and data protection policies and regulations in Nigeria in its quest to attain the status of a smart nation. The paper argues that the existing provisions for cyber-crime prevention and data protection regime is grossly inadequate to effectively protect individuals against abuse resulting from the processing of their personal data. The view of this study is based on the critical analysis of existing laws governing cyber-crime and data protection laws in Nigeria and the requirements for the attainment of a smart nation status. The study is of the opinion that the enormous volumes of digital traces containing personal data, if not well managed over the cyber world, could lead to their being exposed to unauthorized individuals with malicious intents. The study makes recommendations for the reform of the extant laws for the attainment of a smart nation status by Nigeria.

The challenges and Prospects of Digital Broadcast Regulation In Nigeria

The paper meticulously examines the challenges and profound impact of the broadcasting system in Nigeria, conducting a comprehensive analysis of various broadcasting bodies. Employing a survey research method, the study embraces a sample size of 150, effectively representing the study's population. Out of the 150 questionnaires distributed, an impressive 93.3% response rate was achieved, with 140 questionnaires returned. The study underscores that major regulatory approaches, including licensing, sanctioning, arbitrating, and monitoring, play a pivotal role. The findings highlight the crucial role of regulation as a tool wielded by society to scrutinize media content and practices, with the political system shaping the trajectory of these regulations. In conclusion, the paper advocates for a review of the Nigerian Broadcasting Code, emphasizing the imperative of an independent regulatory body. Such a move is seen as essential for fostering pluralism and nurturing healthy competition within the industry.

Auditor practices and auditee responses to corporate governance audit regulation in Nigeria

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine both the responses of auditees to corporate governance audit (CGA) regulation and the practices of CGA auditors.Design/methodology/approachThe study used a mixed method. Content analysis of 200 annual and CGA reports was carried out for 13 years, from 2008 to 2021, split into voluntary disclosure and mandatory disclosure periods. Quantitative analysis was also conducted using Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn's tests. Data gathered were interpreted through the lens of isomorphism and Oliver's (1991) strategic responses to institutional processes.FindingsThe study revealed that in the voluntary disclosure period, auditees responded mainly with acquiescence, motivated by mimetic isomorphic pressure. In the mandatory disclosure period, auditee responses ranged from acquiescence to dismissal of corporate governance regulation (i.e. coercive isomorphic pressure). Auditor reporting of CGA findings was found to be heterogeneous, suggesting that normative and mimetic isomorphism did not homogenize auditor practices.Practical implicationsThe absence of uniform auditee responses to CGA regulation during the mandatory disclosure period suggests that the purpose of mandating the regulation has not yet been achieved and may signal inadequate coercive isomorphic pressure from the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRCN). Similarly, heterogeneous reporting of CGA findings by corporate governance auditors inhibits the comparability of audit findings, limiting their value for information users.Originality/valueThis study examines corporate governance auditor practices and auditee responses to corporate governance audit regulation.

Perspectives of community leaders/members on factors hindering alcohol regulation in Nigeria

Background Previous studies have examined factors impairing alcohol policy implementation in Nigeria, but none adopted a community-based approach. Given that alcohol consumption has sociocultural, economic, religious, and legal connotations, it is pertinent that a community-based study interrogates how these, and other similar factors hinder its regulation. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 community leaders/members in Anambra State, exploring their perspectives on factors hindering the regulation of alcohol (mis)use in their communities. Data were analyzed thematically. Results Findings show complex factors affecting alcohol regulation in Anambra communities. Participants argued that alcohol consumption is symbolic and essential to their lives; therefore, regulating it is difficult. Participants further indicated that sociocultural events in many communities promote the availability of free drinks. Thus, regulating the quantities that individuals consume on such occasions is impossible. They stated that rapid urbanization and the influx of migrants, unemployment and personal business interests are among the factors affecting regulating alcohol (mis)use among adults/minors. Participants revealed they could not establish laws banning alcohol (mis)use since the government has not implemented such policies/regulations. Conclusion Findings indicate that to implement effective alcohol regulation, community leaders/members should be involved in its development because of the sociocultural roles of alcohol.

A Review of Noise Management Practice in Nigeria

Technological advancement, modern systems of transportation, and an expanding human population have brought in their wake a disturbing situation of exposure to environmental noise. This paper was therefore written to create awareness about the expository effects and impacts of environmental noise pollution on the human population. The target population of interest was the Nigerian population. The key findings were linked and related to existing regulations in Nigeria and other countries to enable effective intervention strategies to reduce the harmful impact of noise pollution. Noise pollution was identified as contributing to the poor health of citizens and as a barrier to development and growth at the national level. By focusing on adverse effects and risk factors, the paper highlighted methods to promote the best interests of the vulnerable population. The paper also acknowledged the issue of industrial and environmental noise pollution from the perspective of its contribution to the economic growth and development of the country. Noise pollution was, therefore, required to be measured and controlled with the help of effective strategic laws. It would help reduce the negative effects on the economy and the vulnerable Nigerian population. This paper will be useful in anticipating future reforms that can reduce the considerable noise pollution and its negative impact on the population group

<p>Black Market Exchange Rate Movement in Nigeria: Does Cryptocurrency Matters?</p>

The movement of exchange rates generally had demonstrated unpredictable patterns over time as a traditional mode of payment, particularly the black or parallel exchange market that is already fueled by demand pressure. However, cryptocurrency and the parallel or black exchange market are global phenomenon traded outside the government strict regulations in Nigeria, hence, their economic implications and understanding by many persons, banks, policy-makers, governments, and companies remain a priori unclear. Therefore, this study investigates the impacts of cryptocurrency on black or parallel exchange rate market movement in Nigeria from Jan, 2021 to April, 2023 using the autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL) regression analysis and Granger causality test to affirm the hypothesis that, cryptocurrency do not have significant impacts on black market exchange rate movement in Nigeria. The result of the ARDL shows that cryptocurrencies trading are core determinants of the black or parallel market exchange rate movement in Nigeria during the study period. Therefore, we concluded that cryptocurrency has a negative and significant impact on black market exchange rate movement in Nigeria from Jan. 2021 to April, 2023 and recommend that the government as a matter of urgency regulate cryptocurrency in order to curb the excesses that come with it just like in Japan, China, and Australia, since Nigeria still engages foreign currency controls as monetary policy tools, so as to improve on consumers’ confidence on the domestic currency.

Challenges of Commercial Banks Regulation in Nigeria

The history of the banking system in Nigeria has been occasioned by many problems that resulted in distress. The consolidation and recapitalization exercise in the sector in 2005 was done in a bid to resolve this dilemma. This study examined the challenges of regulating commercial banks in Nigeria. To achieve this objective, the survey research approach was adopted. Specifically, the researcher relied mainly on secondary data for the bulk of the research materials used. Three hypotheses were formulated, analyzed, and tested using statistical mean and the chi-square. The result of the findings shows that challenges in the commercial banking system, which include: weak corporate governance, insider dealings and abuses, lingering boardroom squabbles, massive money laundering, etc., if not properly checked by the regulators, can mar the commercial banks' adherence to the provisions of CBN Acts and that regulatory and supervisory functions of the CBN and the NDIC have effectively curtailed distress in the Nigerian commercial banking system. The study concluded that there was a huge success in ensuring sanity, safety, and confidence in the system due to CBN's robust regulatory network. The study, amongst other recommendations, maintained that CBN should be proactive by ensuring that commercial banks adhere to prudential guidelines.

MATRIX OF DEPENDENCE, POSTCOLONIALISM, AND SOCIAL MEDIA REGULATION IN AN AFRICAN CONTEXT

This paper considers the relation of dependence that defines the practice of social media and internet content regulation in an African context. With social media regulation in Nigeria as a case study, it gives attention to debates drawn from postcolonial thinking, structural imperialism, and platform power, presenting new research on the concept of the matrix of dependence. To do this, I gather data by interviewing 19 stakeholders on what they perceive as credible alternatives to social media regulation in Nigeria, given their opposition to the proposed formal approach represented by the 2019 Internet Falsehood Bill. Analysis was done using Braun and Clarke’s (2021) reflexive thematic analysis. Findings point to four alternatives/themes: copying Western nations, platform self-regulation, governance built on trust, and digital media literacy. I expand on these findings to show that underlying each suggested alternative is the notion of subalternity under which Nigeria functions as it pertains to new media governance. I further argue that this construct can be applied to the wider African continent, suggesting that postcolonialism shapes the use and regulation of new media technologies in what can be understood as the matrix of dependence.