Analysis of Cybercrimes Legislation and Its Impact on Digital Rights in Nigeria

Student: Aliyu Babangida Akawu (Project, 2025)
Department of Civil Law
Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State


Abstract

This research provides an analysis of cybercrimes legislation in Nigeria, with a focus on its implications for digital rights. It chronicles the evolution of Nigeria’s cybercrimes laws in response to emerging threats in the cyberspace, assessing their effectiveness in addressing the issues presented by the digital era, enforcement practices and judicial interpretations. It further explores the impact of these laws on fundamental digital rights, such as privacy, freedom of expression and access to information, highlighting the tensions between maintaining a secure cyberspace and safeguarding individual rights, and offering an analysis of their consequences for citizens and the broader digital ecosystem in Nigeria. By identifying gaps and challenges within the current legislative landscape, the study provides valuable insights into the ongoing discourse on how to harmonise cybersecurity with the protection of digital rights in Nigeria.

Keywords
Cybercrimes Legislation Impact Digital Rights Nigeria