A Review of Recent Trends in the Application of Information and Communication Technology in Nigeria (1999-2015)

Abstract

This paper presents the study of the current Nigerian ICT policy, its evaluation and an investigation into its application and adoption for socio-economic development of Nigeria’s ICT infrastructure and a knowledge based society. The research is grounded in the co-evolving theory of the innovation systems approach and the information society. The analytical framework is based on three stage model of ICT - readiness, intensity and impact. This model intersects between network society and innovation systems theory, showing technology/innovation as a significant element of how ICTs contribute to economic growth and integration at country level (Nigeria); networks as the enablers of coordinated activity in innovation processes linking actors and systems of innovation, e. g. firms, government, research institutes, regulatory frameworks; and the policy, dimension focusing on the role of national actors for enhancing innovation and networking. A survey was conducted in three most industrialized cities of Nigeria (Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt) in order to explore attitudes of Nigerians towards application of the Nigerian lCT policy. The review on which this report is based covers the whole of the ICT sector in Nigeria and the regulatory ICT policies from 1999 to 2015. The purpose of the study is therefore to assess the performance and application of the ICT sector with attention to areas that need to be improved upon.