Big Data Analytics in Public Policymaking in Nigeria: Opportunities and Challenges

This research examines big data analytics in public policy in Nigeria. The 'Bounded Rationality' decision-making theory by Herbert Simon is adopted to examine the constraints that limit the full implementation of big data analytics in public policymaking in Nigeria. The study used a qualitative documentary design, with data collected from secondary sources, including the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the Nigeria Data Protection Act (2023), the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Act, and peer-reviewed journal articles. Analysis was conducted using thematic content analysis and triangulation. The findings showed that Nigeria had an evolving legal and institutional framework for using big data analytics in public policymaking. The study also found that big data analytics offered opportunities for evidence-based decision-making, improved public service delivery, greater transparency, economic planning, and security management. However, implementation challenges had limited its application due to poor ICT infrastructure, data privacy concerns, institutional resistance, and limited expertise. The research recommended establishing a National Big Data Centre (NBDC), strengthening the institutional framework, and encouraging inter-agency collaboration to integrate big data analytics into Nigerian public policymaking. The study concluded that good governance, public service delivery, and national development require the use of big data analytics.