Critical Analysis of the Legal and Infrastructural Frameworks for E-commerce and Consumer Protection in Nigeria

Electronic commerce (e-commerce) is the buying and selling of goods and services via the internet. Those who engage in this kind of transaction are called “electronic consumers” (e-consumers). The success of e-commerce in any given country depends on the existence of the relevant legal framework as well as certain infrastructural facilities such as electricity, delivery system, effective internet services, among other things. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to critically analyse the legal cum infrastructural frameworks for e-commerce and consumer protection in Nigeria. The paper adopts a doctrinal research methodology approach in achieving its objective. The paper observes that Nigeria is yet to put in place the relevant legal framework for the protection of e-consumers in the country. The exiting legal framework is old and quite inadequate to cater for the needs of the e-consumers. The state of infrastructural facilities that will ensure smooth operation of e-commerce in the country is also not encouraging at all. Electricity supply is epileptic and unreliable. The delivery system of goods and services is not effective. Access to the internet is problematic, and cost of accessing same is on the high side. Hence, the paper recommends a robust overhaul of the current legal and infrastructural frameworks for e-commerce in the country. In particular, the paper recommends the amendment of the Consumer Protection Council Act 1992 and immediate passage into law of the Electronic Transactions Bill 2016. The paper also suggests that the government should provide the identified infrastructure that boasts the e-consumers’ confidence and trust in the e-commerce transactions in the country.