Nigerian online spaces have turned out to be important platforms of expression, activism and exchange of information. However, they mirror the ingrained patriarchal, cultural, and religious hierarchies that inform the daily interactions of gender. This paper analyses the cultural factors, institutional and legal loopholes, and psychosocial reactions to digital genderbased violence (DGBV) in Nigeria.

The study is based on a systematic review of 30 academic publications published from 2020-2024 and explores the role of socio-cultural norms, poor frameworks of institutions, and insufficient implementation of policies in increasing the predisposition of women and gender minorities to online harassment. The study uses an intersectional and feminist institutionalist approach to explain the manner in which digital misogyny is mutually reproduced by the tradition, religion, and state apparatus.

Results indicate that DGBV is institutionalised by deep-rooted patriarchal structures within the context of which the digital presence of women is perceived as an act of moral trespass to patriarchy.

Lack of digital governance mechanisms, legal ambiguity, and institutional inertia also serve to promote impunity among the offenders.

Digital withdrawal, social isolation, peer support, and activism are some of the strategies adopted by the victims psychologically. This paper suggests that feminist-informed institutional changes, culturally-aware digital education, and survivor-based mental health intervention are the actions that need to be taken to tackle online gender violence in Nigeria.