The Benue State Government on Monday launched four e-governance platforms as part of its transition from analogue to digital operations in Makurdi.
In addition, the government has commenced training for 40,000 state and local government civil servants on the use of e-governance tools and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills.
Governor Hyacinth Alia officially unveiled the Electronic Document Management System (EDMS), the Benue State Geographic Information Systems (BENGIS) Portal, the Benue Youth Startup and Innovation Support Portal, and the Office of the Benue Head of Service website.
Speaking at the event, Alia described the launch as a defining moment in the state’s digital transformation journey. He noted that the initiative underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening the public sector and improving governance efficiency.
“We are not merely introducing technological platforms; we are empowering our people, enhancing transparency, and embracing the vast possibilities of a digitally driven economy,” he said. “These platforms will streamline administrative processes, improve service delivery, and create opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship.”
A key component of the initiative is the training of 40,000 civil servants across state and local government agencies. The governor stressed that the capacity-building programme will ensure that the workforce is well-equipped to operate effectively within the new digital environment.
According to him, the EDMS will revolutionise government record-keeping and correspondence management, enabling faster decision-making, improved transparency, and increased productivity.
He further explained that the BENGIS portal will provide seamless access to land management services, facilitating property registration, title verification, and other land-related transactions.
“This portal is designed to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks and enhance public access to essential services. Similarly, the Benue Youth Startup and Innovation Support Portal will nurture entrepreneurship by offering resources, mentorship, and financial support to young innovators and startups,” he said.
Alia commended the organisations that collaborated with the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) to implement the digital capacity-building programmes.
Earlier, the Managing Director of BDIC, Terwase Gbande, described the event as historic, highlighting its impact on governance.
“With this system, the governor can access and track official documents from anywhere in the world—be it the UK, the US, Lagos, or Kano,” Gbande explained. “However, before the system can be fully operational, users must undergo comprehensive training, which is why the 40,000-person capacity-building exercise is crucial.”
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Esther Wason-Jack, described the initiative as a milestone in Benue’s efforts to institutionalise a modern, technology-driven public service.
Represented by Alfred Aba, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Civil Service Matters, Wason-Jack noted that the project aligns with the federal government’s civil service strategy and implementation plan for 2021–2025.
“The digital transformation of the public sector is key to building an agile, efficient, and service-oriented workforce,” she added.
Other dignitaries at the event included representatives from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, and the Digital Bridge Institute.
