Prospects of e-government implementation in Nigeria

E-governance is a democratic practice that is gradually gaining universal acceptance and applicability. It refers to a governmental type aimed at achieving effective service delivery from government to citizens, moving governance from traditionalist bureaucratization to modernist participatory administration. This paper is situated within the global experience, where many countries have advanced in their practice of e-governance and Nigeria, as a nation cannot relish in the disadvantages of being left behind in a globalizing world. We strongly propose that there is a significant relationship between a country's technological, political and bureaucratic advancement and a successful e-governance practice. This paper argues that with the present poor state of social infrastructure (especially power supply and road network) in Nigeria, the practice of e-governance is most likely to be negatively impacted upon. On this note, our paper recommends a re-assessment of the country's state of e-governance preparedness. It recommends the application of proactive steps aimed at ensuring the adequate supply of electricity and the development of human resource capabilities of the populace with the aim of achieving high-level computer literacy. The interval convocation of stakeholders at Abuja for talk-shops is not enough. Rather, Internet facilities and services must of necessity be made easily accessible at the lowest cost, to all Nigerians, irrespective of how remote their locations in the country may be. The world is on the move and Nigeria is an integral part of it, hence, should not lag behind.