Most Nigerians living in other cities face several barriers to adopting digital government services, leading many to continue going long distances to government offices for in-person services. While internet access has improved, with around 55% of citizens now able to access the internet according to Statista, this still leaves a significant portion of the population without online connectivity, particularly in rural areas. Digital literacy remains low among certain segments of the population, and many Nigerians lack the necessary devices to access online services. Trust issues regarding cybersecurity and data protection also hinder adoption of digital platforms. Additionally, complex government processes and bureaucracy, combined with insufficiently user-friendly digital interfaces, and lack of accessibility features for people living with disability discourage usage. Cultural preferences for face-to-face interactions and the perception that in-person visits may yield faster or more reliable results further contribute to the continued reliance on physical government offices, even among those with internet access.

Is this reluctance to adopt digital services a generational issue, with younger Nigerians more likely to embrace online options while older generations stick to traditional methods?