The impact of technology on Nigeria as a nation
The impact of digital technology on Nigeria has been nothing short of mammoth. More Nigerians are using the internet to access information, chat, watch movies and buy services. Unfortunately, just like any other nation in the world, there is a negative side to it.
The negative effect of digital technology on Nigeria has come in different forms: cybercrime, fraud and copyright infringement.
For example, in the last few years, numerous cases of “Yahoo-Yahoo” have been reported. In the past, this was done by some few individuals but currently it is being carried out by organised groups of people who are technically savvy and are ready to do everything possible to make money online.
In addition, online marketplaces like OLX and Jumia have made it possible for people to sell their products online easily. As a result of this, there has been an increase in the number of cases where people are duped by fraudsters on these platforms or asked to pay for items that don’t exist or will never be delivered.
Nigeria is Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation. In 2017 the country hit a population of 191 million people and it has the potential to double in size by 2050. This means that Nigeria needs to make serious efforts to accelerate its growth and development through digital transformation.
So far, Nigeria has succeeded in providing mobile internet access to its citizens. By 2018 half of Nigerians had access to mobile phone internet services – which is more than twice as many as had access to electricity. This number is only going up, especially with mobile phones becoming smarter and cheaper at the same time.
Despite this major accomplishment, Nigeria still has a long way to go before it can claim that it is fully prepared for economic growth through digital transformation. The country needs better broadband infrastructure if it wants to compete with other developing countries that are embracing the digital revolution (considering how important fast internet speeds are for modern businesses).
Right now, only about 30% of Nigeria’s population has access to broadband internet – which is below the international average of 40%.
Considering our location in the global village, it is needless to say that Nigeria is among the countries that are heavily impacted by the digital revolution. In fact, technology has taken over all aspects of human life in Nigeria.
In Nigeria, technology has helped to improve education in various ways such as using electronic gadgets like computers, laptops, tablets and ipads. These gadgets have made it possible for students to explore the world of knowledge and information at their fingertips without having to crack a book open. Through these devices students can watch instructional videos on YouTube that will enable them learn more easily.
Also, with the use of some applications like WhatsApp and Facebook messenger schools can communicate with parents in regards to the welfare of their children. This makes it easier for parents to keep up with their children’s education as well as their personal development.
The use of digital technology has also helped businesses grow faster as companies can now connect with potential customers through social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Also, online marketing has helped business owners increase sales by making their products available online thereby attracting more customers from different parts of the world.
Furthermore, digital technology has improved communication between people both locally and internationally through social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram where people can share pictures and videos.
