KEY POINTS
- High unemployment rates drive many young Nigerians toward cybercrime as an alternative income source.
- The societal desire for quick wealth contributes to the prevalence of online fraud.
- Outdated cybercrime laws and weak enforcement embolden cybercriminals.
Nigeria has experienced a significant increase in cybercrime activities in recent years, a trend driven by various socio-economic, technological, and cultural factors.
Unemployment rates in Nigeria largely contribute to the increasing frequency of cybercrime particularly among youthful residents.
Faced with limited job opportunities, many young Nigerians turn to cybercrime as an alternative means of income.
People who cannot find legal work understand cyber scams offer quick financial benefits which draw them into the criminal world.
Desire for quick wealth
The societal pressure to achieve financial success rapidly has led some individuals to engage in fraudulent online activities.
This pursuit of wealth without corresponding hard work is a significant driver of cybercrime in the country.
Weak cybercrime legislation and enforcement
The existing Cybercrime Act of 2015 in Nigeria faces criticism because it has proved to be out of date and incapable of handling the current changes in cyber threat types.
Stringent enforcement processes are scarce thus cybercriminals feel empowered because they believe their chances of getting caught and prosecuted are minimal.
Technological advancements and increased internet access
The expansion of internet availability together with technological progress has led by default to an increase in cybercrime.
Also, the increase in Nigerian internet users creates new opportunities for cybercriminals to victimize more people.
The widespread availability of smartphones and affordable data plans has also made it easier for individuals to engage in illicit online activities.
Cultural factors and peer influence
The cybercriminals known as “Yahoo Boys” receive praise from specific communities who view their supposed wealth as attractive.
This cultural phenomenon creates a social environment where engaging in cybercrime is not only accepted but also aspired to by some youths.
Moreover, the need to match peers along with a wish to replicate luxurious lifestyles of these people leads to an increase in cybercrime cases.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
The spread of COVID-19 demanded lockdown compliance and social distance guidelines which caused people to shift toward online activities.
Internet usage expanded so dramatically that it offered cybercriminals numerous new possibilities to exploit system weaknesses, and thus caused numerous cyber-attacks to occur.
Conclusion
Multiple factors combine to drive the increasing criminal activities online in Nigeria including the economy, laws, technology spread and cultural factors.
A solution requires exclusive steps that combine job market reforms with updated cybercrime laws, education initiatives and social change to combat fraud.
