Harnessing Technology to Combat Corruption and Enhance Efficiency in Government Operations
The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Abdullahi, has underscored the transformative power of technology in addressing corruption and inefficiency within government operations. Speaking at the ITGov 2025 conference in Abuja, Abdullahi emphasized the potential of digital platforms to revolutionize public sector practices, advocating for their deployment to create transparent and tamper-proof systems. He highlighted the inherent audit trails within digital platforms, making them resistant to manipulation, and pointed to e-procurement, e-payment, and blockchain-based land registries as key tools in minimizing fraud and corruption. This digital transformation, he argued, not only enhances transparency but also streamlines processes, reduces waste, and ultimately improves service delivery.
Abdullahi cited a World Bank report indicating that countries embracing digital procurement achieve average savings of 20% in public spending, urging Nigeria to emulate these successful models. Under the guidance of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, NITDA has collaborated with various government agencies to develop and implement Digital Transformation Plans. These plans prioritize automation, cloud adoption, and data-driven service delivery, aligning with global best practices in digital governance. The Director-General also stressed the critical role of digital inclusion in this transformation, emphasizing the need to ensure equitable access and connectivity for all segments of society. He highlighted the bridging potential of digital government, connecting rural and urban populations, young and old, and rich and poor, recognizing the imperative to meet citizens where they are: online, mobile, and on-demand.
To fully realize the potential of digital governance, Abdullahi called for increased investment in digital infrastructure, capacity building initiatives for public servants, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, and robust cybersecurity measures. He urged government agencies to embrace digital reforms wholeheartedly, working towards a system that is responsive, transparent, and inclusive. The future of governance in Nigeria, he asserted, hinges on the speed and effectiveness with which digital transformation is embraced. This transition, he concluded, is not merely about adopting new technologies but about fundamentally reshaping the way government operates, fostering a culture of efficiency, accountability, and citizen-centric service delivery.
The ITGov 2025 conference also provided a platform for industry leaders to showcase their solutions for enhancing government operations. Srinivasan Rajasekar, Country Manager for Nigeria and Regional Head of West African operations for ManageEngine, highlighted his company’s suite of over 60 enterprise solutions designed to automate and manage complex IT infrastructures. These tools encompass enterprise service management, unified endpoint management, and network monitoring, providing comprehensive support for modernizing government IT systems. With over 20 years of experience in Nigeria, ManageEngine has established a strong presence in both public and private sectors, offering hybrid solutions with both on-premises and cloud-based deployment options through their local partner, Tranter IT.
Melanie Ayoola, Group Executive Director at Tranter IT, underscored the importance of IT automation solutions like ManageEngine in boosting productivity and service delivery within government institutions. She noted that over half of Nigeria’s largest enterprises already leverage ManageEngine to manage help desk operations, resolve IT issues, and maintain endpoint security. In large government organizations, unresolved IT incidents can significantly impede public services and reduce overall workforce efficiency. With over 160 MDAs in attendance at the conference, Tranter IT aims to achieve a 30% increase in government adoption of IT automation solutions by the end of the year. This ambitious target reflects the growing recognition of the vital role technology plays in optimizing government operations and enhancing service delivery.
The convergence of government leaders and technology providers at the ITGov 2025 conference underscores the growing momentum behind digital transformation in Nigeria. The discussions and presentations highlighted not only the potential benefits of technology in tackling corruption and inefficiency but also the importance of strategic planning, investment, and collaboration to ensure successful implementation. As Nigeria continues its journey towards digital governance, a focus on inclusive access, robust cybersecurity, and ongoing capacity building will be essential to realizing the full transformative power of technology and building a more efficient, transparent, and citizen-centric government.
