posted October 14, 2023
The United Nations has recognized Edo State as the best state in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and digital governance in the country. This recognition was conferred due to the e-governance reforms implemented by the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration.
The Obaseki-led government in Edo State has undertaken significant and transformative reforms in the civil and public service over the past seven years. These reforms have transitioned the state’s service delivery from an archaic and analogue mode of operation to a digitized, seamless, and efficient mode. As a result of these efforts, Edo State has become the most digitally connected state in Nigeria and operates the most digitized civil and public service.
The State is today the most connected digitally in Nigeria and operates the most digitised civil and public service, with all local governments connected to fibre optics. Edo is also the first State in the country to have entirely shifted to a digital mode of administration. Files are now processed through the service-wide e-government platform, ensuring quick turnaround time.
Responding to the honour at the well-attended event in Lagos, the Edo State Commissioner for Digital Economy, Science and Technology, Hon. Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor, commended Obaseki for being a trailblazer in the ICT sector.
He noted, “I felt like a superstar at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) workshop as Honourable Commissioners from across the nation, Managing Directors of States’ ICT agencies gathered in Lagos to brainstorm about the levels of digital transformation in their States, challenges and possible solutions to the challenges.
“At this event, I really appreciated how far we have come in Edo State and why we are ranked number one in ICT and Digital Governance in Nigeria.
“We are about the only State that has gone paperless in our government processes. Some States are centuries behind on this. With our almost 80 percent e-government compliance in the civil and public service, we lead all other States.”
He further noted, “While many States are trying to negotiate with Galaxy Backbone, the Nation’s Data Center for web hosting and others, Edo State has a tier-3 State-of-the-art Data Center with over 1.5 petabyte data storage space with a 99.9 percent efficiency level.
“When I told my colleagues that our civil/public servants are the best paid in the country and have the best working environment, they were in awe. To be honest, I was a very proud Edo son and an extremely proud Commissioner for Digital Economy today.
“I had everyone asking me how we did it, asking about our EdoBEST programme, asking how we are able to pay N40,000 minimum wage, asking about our Edo Innovates hub, among others.”
The Commissioner for Digital Economy, Science, and Technology, Hon. Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor, commended Governor Obaseki for his leadership in the ICT sector and expressed pride in Edo State’s achievements.
He noted that Edo State’s accomplishments, particularly in e-government compliance and digital transformation, have set it apart from other states in Nigeria. The commissioner also mentioned that colleagues from other states are eager to visit Edo State to learn from its experiences and successes in the digital economy.
This recognition from the United Nations reflects Edo State’s commitment to digital governance and its efforts to leverage technology to improve public services and governance.