Candidates, manifesto and choice: Consolidating digital governance in Edo

“Digital infrastructure is the most critical foundation for the new-age economy. The way forward is not just in connectivity but also in ensuring that technology becomes a means for empowerment and transformation.’’ ­- Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India.

The above quote underscores the essential role of digital infrastructure in modern governance, emphasising its potential to empower citizens and transform societies by bridging gaps, fostering innovation, and enhancing the delivery of public services. We must look at the leading candidates’ posture on digital governance and infrastructure and see how they can connect it to the delivery of public good and the methodology for our choice.

The Edo State Government has launched several e-governance initiatives, including platforms for tax collection, land management, education (EdoBEST) and Edo State Integrated Financial Management Information System (SIFMIS).  These initiatives rely on data infrastructure to function effectively.

The scalability and interoperability of these systems remain an issue, and further investment is needed to integrate digital services fully. Continued investment in digital infrastructure, skill development, and public-private partnerships will be crucial for the state’s data ecosystem to thrive.

The three leading candidates of PDP, LP and APC are promising to leverage digital infrastructure and data analytics to transform governance. Interestingly, the two lawyers on the platform of PDP and LP are in consensus on engaging medical professionals in the diaspora to provide telemedicine consultations.

The PDP candidate wants to create hubs in the senatorial districts, just as the APC candidate, Sen. Monday Okpevbolo. The PDP candidate identifies with the Edo Innovation Hub and desires to mine its product for public good.

The APC candidate promises to develop smart cities and urban centers to integrate digital technology services and employ drones and CCTV networks to monitor criminal activities in the state.

The LP candidate, Mr. Olumide Akpata is promising a world-class institution for innovation and technology in Edo North. A manifesto serves as a blueprint for how the party or candidate intends to lead and improve the lives of citizens, offering a clear roadmap of their priorities and commitment.

One recent case that received significant attention on manifesto of this nature is the one of Mayor Lori Lightfoot of Chicago. During her 2019 mayoral campaign, Lightfoot promised to establish a technology hub on the city’s South and West sides. However, the development of these hubs did not materialise as planned during her tenure.

Edo State has an integrated security information hub that coordinates security operations across the state using technology. It leverages digital tools for real-time surveillance, data collection, and emergency response coordination.

The state government has also invested in smart surveillance systems, including the installation of CCTV cameras in strategic locations across the state. These cameras are linked to control centers for real-time monitoring and quick response to security incidents.

Edo State has implemented digital identity systems for better governance and security. These systems help in maintaining a secure database of residents, which is crucial for law enforcement and public services.

There is Edo Innovates Hub that supports entrepreneurship and skills development in technology and data science supporting Edo and Niger Delta states. The APC and LP candidates failed to build their ideas on innovation and digital governance on available resources.

The APC should have promised to integrate Edo State’s digital security network with national security databases and systems, so as to enhance overall security effectiveness.

Despite the manifesto of the candidates, there is a need for more extensive support systems, funding, and partnerships to scale innovations in the state. Edo State has limited on-ground data center infrastructure. The absence of local data centers leads to increased dependency on external infrastructure, which can affect data security and latency.

Lagos State tops the list of sub-national regions in Africa where digital infrastructure and data analytics have transformed governance. Lagos State has developed a comprehensive digital database of residents.

It has started using data analytics for traffic management, healthcare delivery, crime prevention, and urban planning. The state has adopted e-government platforms that allow citizens to access services online, from tax payments to business registrations.

What has helped Lagos state is consistency and stability in governance. This is a key factor for digital governance and infrastructure, which requires significant capital investment and long-term commitment. Stability signals to investors that the business environment is stable and conducive to growth.

The private sector, including fintech, startups, and ICT hubs has a role in driving digital infrastructure development when there is a stable leadership transition. This continuity reassures investors like MainOne, MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Globacom, Intels Nigeria, Cisco Systems, ZTE Corporation, Datacentrix, and 9Mobile etcetera that digital infrastructure projects will be seen through to completion, even as leadership changes.

Many voters believe that manifestos are pie in the sky. This skepticism often emerges when political promises hit the brick wall of governance realities, where lofty goals clash with the practical constraints and priorities of the administration.

A well-coordinated and collaborative transition of leadership within a government or organisation can significantly contribute to the smooth sailing of manifesto implementation and ensure stability in governance. This approach helps in maintaining continuity and minimises disruptions, allowing the new leadership to effectively carry forward the planned initiatives.

When new leaders uphold and advance the initiatives of their predecessors, it prevents the disruption of long-term digital projects and creates a foundation for long-term economic growth and societal advancement.

Power struggles during succession can lead to disruptions in governance and the stalling of digital infrastructure projects. Stability minimises these risks by fostering a culture of collaboration and shared goals among leaders, ensuring that projects remain on track.

When succession is managed cooperatively, leaders can concentrate on governance rather than getting entangled in political wrangling. This enables a more strategic and deliberate approach to investing in digital governance infrastructure, which is primarily a long-term investment project and not mere rhetoric.

The future belongs to those who embrace innovation; our youth must be ready to sacrifice for a digital ecosystem that empowers and connects us all, for in it lies the foundation of tomorrow’s prosperity and freedom.

Prioritising digital infrastructure is a commitment to modernisation and efficiency that could attract investment and drive progress if consolidated in a pathway of prosperity for all.

Aigbokhan is a Public Interest Advocate. He can be reached via: [email protected] +2348032683434.