Title: Security Implications of Internet of Things (IoT) in Smart Environments in Nigeria
Authors: Nwambo, Barikpoa
Volume: 10
Issue: 5
Pages: 55-62
Publication Date: 2026/05/28
Abstract:
The rapid proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices in smart environments across Nigeria has introduced unprecedented opportunities for economic development, urban management, and public service delivery. However, this expansion has simultaneously generated significant security vulnerabilities that threaten the integrity of critical infrastructure, personal data, and national stability. This paper examines the security implications of IoT adoption within Nigerian smart environments, encompassing smart homes, smart cities, healthcare systems, and agricultural monitoring platforms. Drawing on an extensive review of existing literature and an analysis of documented security incidents within sub-Saharan Africa, this study identifies major threat categories including device-level vulnerabilities, network interception attacks, inadequate authentication mechanisms, and the absence of robust regulatory frameworks in Nigeria. The paper further discusses the sociotechnical dimensions of IoT insecurity, particularly the influence of low digital literacy, inadequate infrastructure, and vendor negligence on security outcomes. Recommendations are proposed to strengthen IoT security governance in Nigeria, including the adoption of security-by-design principles, national IoT policy frameworks, and multi-stakeholder cybersecurity capacity building. The findings of this study contribute to the growing body of scholarship on IoT security in developing economies and provide actionable insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers in the Nigerian context.