EFFECTS OF E-GOVERNANCE ON TRANSPARENCY AND CITIZEN PARTICIPATION IN NIGERIA PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERY
Author(s): Okon, Bassey Edet
Institute(s): UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR
Volume 4 / Issue 1
Abstract
The paper analyzed the role of e-governance in Nigeria on transparency and citizen engagement in the delivery of public services with special reference to Lagos, Rivers, Cross River, and Kano States respectively. Using a descriptive research design and analyzing only secondary sources in the form of scholarly articles, government reports, and institutional records (2020-2025), the research is an evidence-based inquiry of the digital governance initiatives. The paper is based on Systems Theory that describes how e-governance can combine inputs, processes, outputs, and feedback to make the process of public service more efficient and Participatory Governance Theory that accents the involvement of the citizens in the decision-making process and control. Results indicate that e-governance has improved transparency in public service, through digital payrolls, web-based recruitments, and service portals, as well as increased citizens’ participation by providing access to information and using complaint platforms. Lack of proper ICT infrastructure, insufficient digital literacy, and institutional capacity are some of the challenges impeding full implementation. It is then recommended that there should be more investment in e-governancve ICT infrastructure, capacity building, effective feedback mechanisms, and encouragement of the participatory policy that would be inclusive so as to have a sustainable and effective delivery of public services to citizens. Keywords: e-governance, citizen participation, transparency, accountability, public service delivery, Nigeria.
Number of Pages: 8
Number of Words: 4,178
First Page: 183
Last Page: 191