A group of Nigerian researchers made a significant impact at the 17th International Conference on the Theory and Practice of E-Government (ICEGOV2024). Representing the country at the prestigious event, they presented groundbreaking research on digital governance.
The conference, organized by the United Nations University and UNESCO, attracted over 336 participants from 49 countries. The Nigerian delegation, led by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), showcased innovative solutions aimed at enhancing e-governance and stimulating economic diversification.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, emphasized the importance of the researchers’ participation, noting that their work contributes to Nigeria’s efforts to leverage technology for economic growth and improved governance.
The showcased research covered a wide range of topics, including:
- Bridging the Broadband Gap: Hassana Asuku proposed a comprehensive strategy to improve broadband access in rural areas, enhancing economic inclusion and civic engagement.
- Digital Competency in the Public Sector: Adeyinka Patrick Adewumi addressed the challenges posed by low digital skills among civil servants, proposing targeted training and infrastructure upgrades.
- Scalable Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Dr. Agbali Mohammed explored institutional barriers to deploying effective DPI in Nigeria, aiming to enhance public-private partnerships and improve regulatory frameworks.
- Tax Compliance for SMEs: Dr. Tanimu Mukhtar Garba introduced the Taxpoynt platform, designed to simplify tax processes for small businesses.
- Citizens’ Freedoms in E-Governance: Dr. Salihu Dasuki Ibrahim examined how DPI can enhance citizen liberties while addressing challenges such as inadequate ICT infrastructure and data privacy concerns.
The researchers’ contributions not only position Nigeria as a leader in the field of digital governance but also highlight the country’s commitment to leveraging technology for sustainable development and improved governance.