CONSUMER TRUST AND THE ROLE OF DIGITAL FORENSIC IN SECURING NIGERIA’S E-COMMERCE SYSTEM

Abstract

The rapid expansion of e-commerce in Nigeria had transformed retail and service delivery, yet it faced persistent challenges related to cybercrime, data breaches, and online fraud, which undermined consumer trust. This paper examined the role of digital forensics as a strategic tool for securing e-commerce platforms, enhancing consumer confidence, and ensuring compliance with Nigeria’s legal and regulatory frameworks, including the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 (as amended 2024) and the Data Protection Act 2023. It explored key digital forensic techniques, such as network, database, mobile, cloud, and AI-assisted forensics, and highlighted their applications in fraud detection, breach investigation, cybersecurity policy enhancement, and legal evidence collection. The challenges included limited expertise, high costs, and evolving cyber threats, along with actionable recommendations for capacity building, tool adoption, consumer education, and stakeholder collaboration. It concluded that integrating digital forensic practices into Nigeria’s e-commerce ecosystem is essential for mitigating cyber risks, strengthening regulatory compliance, and fostering sustainable consumer trust, thereby supporting the growth of secure and resilient online marketplaces.