Asking the question what the major reasons for the
rise in cyber crimes in Nigeria is like asking why do people commit crimes?
However due to the peculiar nature of cyber crime this space has been dedicated
to briefly discuss why the crime is on increase in Nigeria. Considering the present economic
recession and political instability in the country the reasons are not
far-fetched and they include:
Unemployment: The spate of unemployment in Nigeria is alarming and
growing by the day. Companies are folding up while other are relocating to neighboring
African countries due to epileptic power problem in Nigeria and before the
recent intervention by the Central Bank, our financial institutions were at
vulnerable positions companies are also embarking on mass retrenchment as well
various state government instead of employing more youths. All these compound
the employment problem in Nigeria.
Poverty Rate: On a global scale, Nigeria is regarded as a third
world country. The poverty rate is ever increasing. The rich are getting richer
and the poor are getting poorer. In sufficient basic amenities and an epileptic
power supply have grounded small scale industries.
Corruption: Nigeria has continued to occupy unenviable position in
global corruption ranking. Until the establishment of EFCC and ICPC in 1999,
corruption was regarded as a way of life. People celebrate wealth in Nigeria without
questioning the source of same. This has contributed more to the problem of
corruption in Nigeria.
Gullibility/Greed of Victims
Most victims of e-crime express some degree of
gullibility and / or greed. They typically do not carry out any thorough
investigation before venturing into transactions. Because of greed and the
tendency to become rich, the victims never share with others the seemingly
fortune changing transaction they have just discovered until they fall into the
trap.2
Lack of Infrastructure
Proper monitoring and arrest calls for sophisticated
state of the art information and communication Technology devices. Unfortunately,
Nigeria is still ranking low in this technological advancement.
Proliferation of Cyber Cafes
As a means of making ends meet, many entrepreneurs
have taken to establishment of cyber cafes that serve as blissful havens for
the syndicates to practice their acts through night browsing service they
provide to prospective customers without being guided or monitored. Similarly,
the security agents in Nigeria seem to have ignored the impact of cyber cafes
and nothing is often done to monitor their activities.
Porous Nature of Internet
The internet is free for all with no central control.
Hence, the state of anarchy presently experienced. The proliferation f the
internet service has not helped the matter. Virtually every home today in
Nigeria (especially in urban areas) is connected to internet (either through
phone or PC) and access to their global gate way is not restricted or
regulated.
Get-Rich Syndrome
In Nigeria, almost everybody
especially the youth, wants to get rich with little or no effort at all. This
get rich quick mentality has fueled to current trends in e-crime. And the value
system keeps on depreciating as the quest to get-rich keeps on getting higher.
People celebrate wealth without questioning the source. The society often fails
to reward hardwork, honesty and dedication. More sad is the fact that when you are
honest and above board, everybody regards you as a fool and stupid fellow-even
your immediate family. All these no doubt make every Tom, Dick and Harry to
strive to get rich quick whatever means necessary.
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