EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF E-GOVERNANCE AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This study examined e-governance and socio-economic development of Imo state, Nigeria within the period of 2015-2021. Basically, the objectives of the study are to examine the effects of e-governance on socio economic development of Imo State; and to examine the challenges of e-governance in socio economic development of Imo State. The study used both primary and secondary data to achieve its objectives.  Technological determinism theory was used as the theoretical framework of analysis to explain the role of technology in actualizing effective administrative system in Imo State. The study findings proved that e-governance has effects on socio economic development of Imo State on such areas as enhancing easy and faster communication between government and the citizens, promoting fiscal policies, transparency and accountability, easy access to government information and policies, effective service delivery, etc. Other findings are bureaucratic challenges, inadequate power supply in different parts of Imo State, technological imbalance between the urban and rural areas, insufficient trained ICT personnel, unwillingness on part of the government personnel to learn ICT, among others as the challenges facing e-governance in socio economic development of Imo State.  The study recommends that there should be effective power supply to ensure the successful operation and practice of e-governance in Imo state, Imo State Government should enhance the provision of e-governance infrastructure in both villages and township to enhance knowledge of e-governance in the state, Imo State Government should address the issues of bureaucratic challenges arising from the delay in implementation of e-governance process, Imo State Government should train more personnel on ICT for ease of e-governance process in Imo State, the public and civil servants in Imo State should be encouraged to participate in e-governance activities, etc. Conclusively, e-governance has significant effects on socio economic development of Imo State.