Empirical Study of Digital Divide Determinants and Internet Access Equity Across Nigerian Geopolitical Zones

The digital divide in Nigeria manifests along geographic, income, gender, and educational lines, creating systematic exclusion from digital economy participation. While national statistics document aggregate inequities, empirical multi-variable analysis of digital divide determinants across all six geopolitical zones is limited. This study empirically analyses the determinants of digital divide across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones. A nationally representative survey sample of 1,200 adults was drawn using stratified random sampling, with 200 respondents per zone. Internet access and digital skill level were the primary dependent variables. Predictors assessed included household income, education level, gender, rural-urban location, cost of data, device availability, and electricity supply reliability. Multinomial logistic regression and structural equation modelling were employed for analysis. Results indicate that electricity supply reliability (OR 4.8) and household income (OR 3.6) are the strongest structural determinants of internet access across zones. The North East and North West zones show the deepest digital divides, with access rates 3.4 and 2.9 times lower than the South West even after controlling for income. Gender digital divide is significant nationally, with women showing 34 percent lower internet access probability, amplified in northern zones. The study fills a geographically comprehensive empirical gap in Nigerian digital divide research and provides zone-specific policy recommendations for the Universal Service Provision Fund and the National Information Technology Development Agency.

Keywords: digital divide, internet access, Nigeria, geopolitical zones, equity