E-Governance for Peace and National Development

Abstract

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is the process and distribution of data using computer hardware and software. In this paper E-Government is view as the public sector’s use of Information and Communication Technologies with the aim of improving information and service delivery, encouraging citizen participation in the decision-making process and making government more accountable, transparent, with reference to existing cases, the need for improved and extensive information bank for good governance is employed aimed at achieving effective service delivery from government to citizens, moving governance from traditionalist bureaucratization to modernist participatory administration. This paper is situated within the global experience, where many countries have advanced in their practice of e-governance and Nigeria, as a nation cannot relish in the disadvantages of being left behind in a globalizing world. Also argues that with the present poor state of social infrastructure (especially power supply and road network) in Nigeria, the practice of e-governance is most likely to be negatively impacted upon. On this note, I also recommend a re-assessment of the country's state of e-governance preparedness. It recommends the application of proactive steps aimed at ensuring the adequate supply of electricity and the development of human resource capabilities of the populace with the aim of achieving high-level computer literacy. And Internet facilities and services must of necessity be made easily accessible at the lowest cost, to all Nigerians, irrespective of how remote their locations in the country may be. The world is on the move and Nigeria is an integral part of it, hence, should not lag behind.

Keywords: Information and Communication Technology, E-Government, Service Delivery, Citizen Participation, Accountable, Transparent, Internet and Nigeria.