DIGITAL GOVERNANCE AND POLICYMAKING: EVIDENCE FROM SOCIAL MEDIA ENGAGEMENT IN KWARA STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The integration of social media into governance processes has significantly transformed how citizens interact with public institutions, particularly in emerging democracies. This study examines the influence of social media usage and engagement on government policymaking in Nigeria’s digital governance framework. Using a quantitative research design, data were collected from 300 respondents in Kwara State and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The study distinguishes between social media usage, representing exposure to digital content, and social media engagement, reflecting active participation in online discourse. The findings reveal that social media usage significantly influences government policymaking by amplifying public concerns, increasing issue visibility, and shaping policy agendas. More importantly, social media engagement demonstrates a stronger relationship with policymaking processes, indicating that active participation enhances citizen-government interaction, accountability, and responsiveness. The study results highlight the evolving role of digital platforms as both informational and participatory tools in governance. The study contributes to interdisciplinary scholarship by integrating communication and public administration perspectives to explain how digital interactions influence policy outcomes. It also provides practical insights for policymakers on leveraging social media for inclusive and responsive governance. While the findings underscore the transformative potential of social media, it also point to the need for addressing challenges such as misinformation, digital inequality, and institutional capacity.