Achieving public service reform through e-government initiative: the case of Nigeria

Absztrakt (kivonat)

E-government initiatives are emerging continuously in developing countries. Many researchers and professionals in this field have agreed on its potential to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and transparency. Furthermore, its potentials can improve institutional capacity, citizen participation, and transparency which will enhance economic growth in general. The Nigerian government has not adequately integrated ICT into public administration, which will boost the relationship between government and the citizens. ICT has transformed the process of governance into the digital era governance, which has stimulated public management for the benefit of the citizens. E-government has become an essential element of public sector reform; it has the ability to change the way public sector operates. United Nations as the front advocate of E-governance have emphasized that it is the key to achieving sustainable development in third world countries. Despite the adaptation of E-government, countries like Nigeria are yet to benefit its capabilities fully. There are so many areas in government activities where the impact and potentials of E-government have not been fully achieved in Nigeria. Numerous studies have shown that there is a limitation on the successful implementation of E-government in Nigeria, which results in various debates and research on the reasons it lacks progression. The research argues that E-government has a transformational impact on public administration, and it has influenced governance and public service delivery in the country efficiently. The research method used is a qualitative case study for data analysis; administrative burden was used as the criteria to measure performance. Using standard cost model, the author measured the level of administrative burden before and after the implementation of Egovernment applications. Also, the author uses Cape Verde as a best practice, to examine those factors affecting E-government development in Nigeria. The research findings showed that E-government has a lot of potentials, and it can quickly transform public administration when adopted the right way. The comparison between Nigeria and Cape Verde identify the barriers affecting E-government development in Nigeria, and it describes the reason behinds Cape Verde’s massive achievement over the last four years. Therefore, the author suggested that the leadership in Nigeria needs to do a lot better, by defining a clear vision and goals on E-government initiative. The government also needs to design policies that will improve the level of knowledge and skills especially that of ICT. The government needs to also invest in all the necessary infrastructures that are essential for citizens to access E-government applications. Also, the government needs to initiate the ‘once only’ and strategy and the one-stop portal to boost efficiency and effectiveness.