The Edo State Government in conjunction with PIC, NESG, and BIll & Melinda Gates foundation has launched a 3-day Digital Policy Project workshop, tagged “Advancing an inclusive and Enabling Policy Environment for Digital Growth and Capabilities in Edo State.” The workshop, which began on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, aims to integrate digital policies across various sectors, including health, agriculture, education, transportation, e-procurement, and more.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communication Dr. Desmond Agbama in his charge on the first day of the workshop urged participants to become “policy champions” and help implement digital policies in their respective ministries, departments, and agencies.
The workshop focused on the Edo State Digital Policy, which seeks to transform service delivery and inclusivity by harnessing the power of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The policy addresses the global transition towards technology-driven governance, focusing on reducing bureaucracy, enhancing accessibility, and fostering economic growth.
Some of the key strategies discussed at the workshop include:
– Deploying efficient digital platforms: Improving technology-based education via the EdoBEST program and enhancing healthcare through the eClinic system.
– Digital infrastructure development: Leveraging digital infrastructure to support the justice sector, agriculture, transportation, procurement, residency identification, and revenue generation.
– Cybersecurity and data protection: Addressing cross-cutting issues such as big data, open data platforms, cybersecurity, data protection, and ethical AI deployment.
Implementation and Governance
The implementation of the digital policy will be overseen by governing structures that mobilize resources from various stakeholders, ensuring collaboration for successful execution. The policy aims to create a cohesive, inclusive, and sustainable digital ecosystem, driving growth and improving residents’ quality of life.
The Edo State Government’s commitment to digital transformation is evident in its efforts to establish a robust digital governance framework. The government has identified key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to facilitate digital and data capabilities, including the Ministry of Digital Economy, Science and Technology (MDEST), Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), and Edo Digital Governance and Data Management Agency (DiDA).
