E-GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA

E-GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA

The fundamental responsibility of governments worldwide is to align with the desires, ambitions, and necessities of their populace. Bureaucratic institutions serve as effective instruments in governance for the establishment and execution of public policies and programmes that cater to the needs of the populace. Governments across the globe are established to cater to the requirements, desires, and ambitions of their citizens. Bureaucratic institutions are utilised as effective instruments during the process of administration to initiate and execute public policies and programmes that are designed to fulfil the requirements of the public. At the outset, conventional administrative practises, such as the utilisation of physical documents to execute governmental tasks, were extensively embraced for the purpose of carrying out public duties. According to Abah and Nwokwu (2019), this approach was deemed to be sluggish and unresponsive to the ever-changing demands of the populace. It is noteworthy that the government operates within a particular milieu, wherein alterations in the surroundings can significantly impact its methodologies, protocols, and mechanisms. The Information and Communication Technology has brought about a breakthrough resulting in significant changes in the daily operations of individuals and organisations, both public and private. Currently, individuals utilise their mobile devices for voice communication, while electronic mail serves as a means for sending and receiving messages. The proliferation of mobile communication is expanding at an exponential rate, akin to our usage of the internet.

Onuigbo and Eme (2015) assert that people utilise the internet for various purposes such as online shopping, banking transactions, flight ticket booking, online payments, weather checking, research, and communication with individuals residing outside their country. The government, too, is actively involved in the matter. The technological environment has exerted a significant influence on the methods and procedures employed by the entity to carry out its functions. E-governance is the term used to describe the utilisation of information and communication technology (ICT) in the execution of governmental operations. ICT has been widely adopted by advanced economies for the purpose of public administration. The reason for this is primarily due to their possession of the requisite infrastructure, capacities, competencies, and skills that are essential for the facilitation of e-governance. Moreover, the system enables governments to achieve optimal levels of efficiency, effectiveness, accountability, and transparency in their interactions with citizens and other stakeholders (Nchuchuwe and Ojo, 2016). The utilisation of information and communication technology in the provision of public services by governments in western countries has resulted in a favourable perception by citizens. This is due to the perception that such governments are responsive and accountable to the evolving needs of their constituents and are fulfilling their designated responsibilities. Estevez and Janowski (2013) define e-governance as the utilisation of technology by governmental entities to effectuate a transformation of their operations and interactions with constituents, with the ultimate goal of generating a lasting impact on society. According to Ayo’s (2014) assertion, e-governance pertains to the utilisation of information and communication technology (ICT) in the management and governance of a state or nation. This statement suggests that electronic governance (e-governance) involves the utilisation of information and communication technology (ICT) to carry out governmental functions. According to Backus (2003), e-governance pertains to the utilisation of electronic methods in facilitating the communication between the government and its constituents, the government and commercial entities, and the internal operations of the government. The primary objective of e-governance is to streamline and enhance the democratic and commercial aspects of governance.

The concept of e-governance promotes the facilitation of communication and interaction between various entities, including the government and citizens, government and businesses, and government and other governmental bodies. Additionally, e-governance fosters interactions among government officials, citizens, employees, non-governmental organisations, and businesses (Abah & Nwokwu, 2019). This administrative model involves the utilisation of information and communication technology by the government to effectively execute its essential and constitutional obligations. One of the advantages of this governance system is that it provides citizens with the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process from the comfort of their own homes. They can express their opinions on any policy issues that are on the government’s agenda. Furthermore, it fosters the facilitation of interactions or interface among the government and other crucial stakeholders, which is imperative for the government’s triumph in the execution of their daily duties (Abah & Nwokwu, 2019). The interface engenders a sense of inclusivity among stakeholders, motivating them to actively contribute towards the success of government-approved policies and programmes. The existing body of literature indicates that the inception of ICT initiatives in Nigeria can be traced back to the 1950s, with an initial emphasis on print and electronic media. The limited achievement can be attributed primarily to the stringent regulation of the apparel industry by the government. However, there exists a limited level of awareness regarding the significance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) among the general populace. One could make a sound argument that ICT initiatives were primarily tested in the private sector, resulting in a significant and expanding opportunity gap within the primary public sector, which is accountable for more than 80% of all data (Maduabum, 2008).

REASONS FOR ADOPTING E-GOVERNANCE

Numerous factors serve as motivators for governments in various nations to implement e-governance. The primary objective of implementing e-governance in governmental operations is to establish efficacy, potency, responsibility, and lucidity in the engagements between the government and its constituents or patrons. The utilisation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in governance in Nigeria has been observed to yield various advantages.

The e-security system, also known as e-Police, is a potential solution that can be developed to enable citizens to provide prompt and secure tip-offs to law enforcement authorities. It is recommended that the e-police system incorporate distinct modules for the dissemination of information as well as for the tracking of stolen or wanted vehicles and suspects/criminals. The implementation of E-police is presently in effect within the jurisdiction of Dubai, located in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The utilisation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in governance is advantageous due to its efficacy in promptly disseminating information to the populace. The implementation of e-governance has the potential to stimulate economic growth by enabling local and state governments to effectively compete for both domestic and international investment. Through the utilisation of technology, domestic enterprises have the potential to eventually attain a competitive advantage over their international counterparts in the global marketplace. The implementation of e-government facilitates the development of communities comprising citizens and businesses, while mitigating the challenges arising from geographical distance, cultural diversity, linguistic barriers, and other related factors. The general populace is afforded increased avenues to actively participate in the development of policies. The rapid and reliable collection and analysis of information greatly enhances the development of policies.

Conclusion And Recommendations

Electronic governance (e-governance) has become a permanent fixture in public administration worldwide, with governments making significant efforts to implement the system. The reason for this is that the utilisation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in governance possesses the capability to fundamentally transform the procedures and approaches employed in the administration of public affairs. In order to fully reap the substantial benefits of e-governance in Nigeria, the following recommendations are proposed. It is anticipated that the government will provide the requisite infrastructure to facilitate the effective implementation of e-governance throughout the nation. The provision of crucial infrastructure, such as broadband services, internet networks, and consistent power supply, is imperative to facilitate the implementation of e-governance initiatives within the nation. The success of e-governance initiatives in Nigeria is contingent upon a robust political will and unwavering commitment. Corruption remains a significant impediment to the implementation of policy agendas, including those related to information and communication technology (ICT) programmes. Consequently, it is imperative for the government to tackle corruption and exhibit the necessary political determination to emerge victorious in the battle against corruption. To achieve this objective, it is imperative for the government to clearly communicate to its public workforce that e-governance represents a policy framework aimed at facilitating their job responsibilities, thereby enhancing overall productivity.

References

Abah, O., & Nwokwu, P. (2019). Problems and prospects of E-governance in an emerging state:       The Nigerian Example. Journal of Human and Social Science, 24(9), 14-21.

Ayo, C. (2014). Information and Communication Technology as a Lever for Innovation in           Leadership. In: T. Abioye, C. Awonuga and A. Amuwo (eds), Leadership and Innovation      in Africa’s Developments Paradigm. Otta: Covenant University Press.

Backus, M. (2003). E-governance and Developing Countries; Introductions and Examples. Research Report No. 3 April. Retrieved 19^th June 20, 2023       www.ftpiiid/org/reserach/reports/pdf.

Estevez, E. and Janowski, T. (2013). Electronic Governance for Sustainable Development –    Conceptual Framework and State of Research. Government Information Quarterly, 30(1),           94-109.

Maduabum, C. (2008). The Mechanics of Public Administration in Nigeria. Lagos: Concept        Publications.

Nchuchuwe, F. & Ojo, A. (2016). Challenges and Prospects of Implementing E-governance in Nigeria. Covenant University. journal of Politics and International Affairs, 2(3).

Ojo, J. (2014). E-Governance: An Imperative for Sustainable Grassroots Development in Nigeria.              Journal of Public Administration and Policy Research, 6(2),77–89.

Onuigbo, R. A. & Eme, O. I. (2015). Electronic Governance and Administration in Nigeria:      Prospects and Challenges. Arabian Journal of Business and Management Review           (OMAN Chapter) 3(3), 18-26.

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