The Enforceability of Online Contracts in Nigerian E-Commerce: A Study of Consumer Disputes in Lagos State

The rapid expansion of digital commerce in Nigeria has created novel legal challenges regarding the enforceability of contracts formed through electronic platforms. This study examines the enforceability of online contracts within the Nigerian e-commerce sector, focusing on consumer disputes recorded in Lagos State between 2020 and 2024. The research adopts a doctrinal methodology supplemented by a survey of 150 consumers and 30 e-commerce operators in Lagos Island and Ikeja. Using the Electronic Transactions Act and the Consumer Protection Council Act as primary legislative frameworks, the study analyses landmark decisions of the Federal High Court and consumer arbitration outcomes. Preliminary findings suggest that significant gaps exist between statutory provisions and their practical application, particularly concerning offer and acceptance in digital environments, digital signature authentication, and remedies for breach. The study further interrogates how informal dispute resolution has filled the void created by slow judicial processes. Key recommendations include the urgent amendment of existing e-commerce regulations to incorporate evolving international standards such as the UNCITRAL Model Law on Electronic Commerce, and the establishment of a specialised digital disputes tribunal within Nigeria. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on technology law in West Africa and provides actionable insights for legal practitioners, policymakers, and digital businesses operating in Nigeria's commercial capital. Keywords: online contracts, e-commerce, enforceability, consumer protection, Lagos State