Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Governance in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects

Imhonopi, , David and Urim, U.M. (2011) Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Governance in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects. Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Creative Arts, 6 (2). pp. 1-14. ISSN Print - 2277 - 078X Online - 2315- 747X

PDF Download (900kB)

Abstract

Information and communication technologies have permeated the different sectors of the Nigerian society, like they have done globally, gradually making the dependence on them an imperative for the effective and smooth functioning of the society. Especially, ICTs have contributed to a-governance in Nigeria and created more open spaces for citizen, organisation and interagency interaction with government and its representatives. E-governance is increasingly becoming the touchstone and facilitator of the delivery of social goods by national, state and local governments via ICTs to citizens, businesses and governmental agencies today. The increasing diffusion of a-governance practices globally has been underpinned by the Diffusion of Innovations Theory adopted in this study. However, in spite of the role of a-government in enabling the provision of relevant government information in electronic form to the citizens in a timely manner; better service delivery to citizens; empowerment of the people through access to information without red tape; improved productivity and cost savings in doing business with suppliers and customers of government; and participation in public policy decision-making, e -government practice is still faced with different challenges in Nigeria. Resolving issues such as legislative and regulatory barriers, limited budgetary allocations for development, the digital divide between urban and rural areas of the country and lack of basic infrastructure such as power, among others, must be hastened for a robust and effective a-governance practice to happen in Nigeria. In this study, valid recommendations have been made on the way forward. •

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Information and Communication Technology, Internet, E-Governance, Government and Social Change
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
Divisions:	Faculty of Law, Arts and Social Sciences > School of Social Sciences
Depositing User:	Mrs Patricia Nwokealisi
Date Deposited:	30 Mar 2015 13:33
Last Modified:	30 Mar 2015 13:33
URI:	http://eprints.covenantuniversity.edu.ng/id/eprint/4424

Actions (login required)

View Item