This study investigates patterns of reader engagement in the comment sections of six major online newspapers in Nigeria. Using a discourse-analytic approach, the study identifies five common genres of reader discourse: political alignment, moralising speech, humorous or ironic intervention, ethno-regional positioning, and deliberative involvement. Findings indicate that Nigerian online comment sections function as dispersed forums for public discussion influenced by editorial style, political affiliation, and regional identity. The study concludes that online comment spaces should be acknowledged as significant venues for public discourse and citizen involvement.
