CONSUMER PROTECTION IN NIGERIA'S E-COMMERCE SECTOR: LEGAL GAPS AND REGULATORY STRATEGIES FROM A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SELECTED JURISDICTIONS

Abstract

The rapid expansion of e-commerce has positively affected global trade and investments. The growth of digital commerce has also generated significant consumer protection challenges, particularly in developing economies where legal and regulatory frameworks have struggled to keep pace with technological innovation. Although consumer protection laws have contributed to strengthening consumer rights, important regulatory gaps remain in relation to platform accountability, digital contract governance, cross-border transactions, and enforcement effectiveness. This paper examines the adequacy of Nigeria’s consumer protection framework in regulating e-commerce transactions through a comparative analysis of the regulatory approaches adopted in the United Kingdom and South Africa. The paper employs a doctrinal and comparative legal methodology, drawing upon statutes, case law, regulatory instruments, and academic literature. It argues that while Nigeria has made significant progress in modernising consumer protection law, existing frameworks remain largely rooted in traditional commercial assumptions and inadequately address the distinctive realities of digital markets. The paper finds that the United Kingdom and South Africa have adopted more coherent and technologically responsive approaches to regulating e-commerce by providing clearer rules on digital content, platform liability, consumer disclosure rights, and online dispute resolution. The paper concludes that strengthening consumer protection in Nigeria requires comprehensive legislative reform, enhanced institutional coordination, improved enforcement mechanisms, and the adoption of technology-driven consumer redress systems.