Emerging Legal Issues and Challenges In Information Technology and Communication In Nigeria

Abstract

The paper traces the growth in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure in Nigeria, and how market-forces have pulled the industry to liberalize. It reveals that the Nigerian Communication Act¹ which subsequently provided for the establishment of a regulatory body, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in 1992 was the first bold act taken in that direction. It shows how liberalization of the telecommunications market in Nigeria (especially with the coming into force of the Communications Act, 2004, has developed the industry with attendant legal challenges that are not explicitly addressed by general common law classifications of contract or tort, and that criminal legislation also lags behind in many respects to tackle criminal actions possibly fostered by ICT. It therefore suggests ways and measures to deal with them.