WILBERFORCE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIAL SCIENCES (WJSS)
ISSN: 2504 – 9232
Volume 10, No. 2, November 2025
Pages 67-81
DOI: 10.36108/wjss/5202.01.0240
THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA IN SHAPING POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC RESTRUCTURING IN NIGERIA
Barisuka, Prince Beteh
Abstract
This study investigates the mechanisms through which social media influences policy-making, economic reforms, and the overall restructuring of political and economic frameworks in Nigeria. The study adopted the Networked Public Sphere theory propounded by Yochai Benkler in 2006 as its theoretical framework and applied secondary sources of data collection. The study found that social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp play a significant role in shaping public opinion on political and economic restructuring in Nigeria by providing platforms for political engagement, information dissemination, mobilization and facilitated discussions on economic policies and reforms, promoted digital marketing, entrepreneurship, and enhanced financial inclusion. The study recommended the needs for collaborative efforts between the Nigerian government, civil society organizations, and social media handlers to address these challenges through digital literacy programs, fact-checking initiatives, and policies that enhance the regulatory framework for social media usage while preserving freedom of expression.
Keywords: Economic restructuring, Political discourse, Nigeria government, Social media