Development of E-Commerce in Nigeria: The Entrepreneurial Opportunities and Challenges

In this era of digital global economy, e-commerce has become a veritable component of business outlet and strategy, as well as a strong catalyst for economic development. There is a synergy between ecommerce and entrepreneurship that drives it. Nigeria now prides herself as the Africa’s biggest economy and so there is need to sensitize and encourage Nigerian entrepreneurs to embrace e-commerce as a viable business model. This paper explores the world of e-commerce; its development in Nigeria; the link with entrepreneurship and innovation; the available opportunities plus the associated challenges. Resultant recommendations proffered include that established Nigerian entrepreneurs should key into the e-commerce revolution to gain global competitive advantage. The Government on its own part should, in the short run, expand its IT and egovernment policies to accommodate the establishment of subsidized cyber centers for start-ups and buyers who cannot afford the initial acquisition cost of Internet connectivity.