Benin City – Edo State is charting a course towards a digitally empowered future with the launch of a three-day workshop, “Advancing an Inclusive and Enabling Policy Environment for Digital Growth and Capabilities in Edo State.”
The initiative, a collaboration between the Edo State Government, PIC, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, commenced on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, marking a significant step in the state’s digital transformation agenda.
Inaugurating the workshop, Dr. Desmond Agbama, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communication, urged the participants to become “policy champions” and help implement digital policies in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies.
The workshop’s focus is the comprehensive Edo State Digital Policy, a strategic blueprint aimed at leveraging Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to enhance service delivery, foster inclusivity, and drive economic growth.
The policy addresses the global shift towards technology-driven governance, emphasising the reduction of bureaucratic hurdles and the expansion of accessibility. Key strategies discussed include the deployment of efficient digital platforms, such as the EdoBEST education program and the eClinic healthcare system, alongside robust digital infrastructure development to support sectors ranging from justice and agriculture to transportation and revenue generation.
A critical aspect of the policy is its focus on cybersecurity and data protection, addressing crucial cross-cutting issues like big data, open data platforms, and the ethical deployment of artificial intelligence.
“This is not just about technology; it’s about transforming how we serve our citizens,” stated Dr. Agbama during his address. “We are building a foundation for a more efficient, transparent, and inclusive Edo State.”
The implementation of the digital policy will be overseen by a robust governance structure, ensuring collaboration among various stakeholders to achieve successful execution. The initiative aims to create a cohesive and sustainable digital ecosystem that improves the quality of life for all Edo residents.
The Edo State Government has identified key MDAs, including the Ministry of Digital Economy, Science and Technology (MDEST), the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), and the Edo Digital Governance and Data Management Agency (DiDA), as instrumental in driving digital and data capabilities. This strategic alignment underscores the government’s commitment to establishing a robust digital governance framework.
