Author(s) :

Abraham, Royal Adaeze, Edevie, Prudence Sonvie.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Digital governance has become a critical pathway for enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accountability in public administration, consistent with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16.6, which advocates effective, accountable, and transparent institutions. In Nigeria, however, the expansion of e-government initiatives has not translated into equitable access, as rural households remain disproportionately digitally excluded, limiting their ability to access and utilise digital public services. This study examined digital exclusion and e-government access in rural Nigeria through a systematic synthesis of existing empirical evidence. Guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework, a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) design was adopted. The review covered 26 peer-reviewed empirical studies and authoritative institutional reports published between 2015 and 2025. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) served as a theoretical lens for explaining how access barriers shape engagement with e-government platforms. Data were analysed using thematic synthesis, involving line-by-line coding and the development of descriptive and analytical themes. The findings reveal that digital exclusion in rural Nigeria is shaped by four interrelated barriers: infrastructural deficits, economic constraints, human-capital limitations, and institutional weaknesses. These barriers collectively restrict awareness and utilisation of e-government services, resulting in uneven realisation of digital governance benefits and continued concentration of institutional efficiency in urban areas. The study concludes that inclusive digital governance in Nigeria requires a shift from urban-centric approaches to rural-sensitive interventions that address structural and capacity-related barriers, thereby supporting progress toward SDG 16.6. Keywords: Digital exclusion; e-government; rural Nigeria; digital divide; Technology Acceptance Model; SDG 16.6

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