Towards E-Government in a Sub-Saharan African Country

Abstract

ABSTRACT The use of information communication technologies (ICT) in governance is growing rapidly in many parts of the world. Developing countries in Africa are also making efforts to harness the new technology. In this paper, we provide useful insights regarding the impediments and initiatives of e-government in Nigeria, a Sub-Saharan African (SSA) country. The main problems facing the emergence of e-government in Nigeria have their roots in socioeconomic inadequacies that have plagued several countries in the SSA region. Some of the problems discussed include poor organizational skills, attitudinal problems, inadequate infrastructural support, and poor or unavailable human capital resources. We also highlighted some of the progressive initiatives undertaken in Nigeria aimed at providing a suitable environment for the emergence of e-government. Our discourse noted plans and projects in Nigeria such as the development of a national IT policy, liberalizing the telecommunication sector, and IT awareness cam...