A member of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Prince Ukpong Akpabio II, has called for the integration of information and communication technology into local government administration across the state.
Akpabio, who represents Essien Udim State Constituency and chairs the House Committee on Business, Rules, Ethics and Privileges, moved the motion during Thursday’s plenary.
The motion, brought under Order 3, Rule 1 of the Standing Orders of the House, seeks to require every local government council in Akwa Ibom to establish and maintain a functional ICT department within one month. It also proposes collaboration with the Ministries of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Science and Digital Economy.
Leading the debate, the lawmaker said government administration is steadily shifting from manual processes to digital systems, often described as e-government. He said local governments, as the tier of government closest to the people, especially in rural communities, must adopt innovation to improve service delivery.
Akpabio said the use of ICT would help councils streamline administrative processes, improve communication between government and citizens, and support data-driven decision-making.
He argued that digital tools would also reduce operational costs, make services more accessible, and encourage greater public participation in governance.
The Essien Udim lawmaker expressed concern that many local government councils in the state have yet to embrace ICT in their daily operations, despite the widespread use of smartphones even in rural areas.
He said most councils neither have functional ICT departments to manage digital operations nor websites where the public can access information on their activities, investment opportunities, and tourism potential.
Akpabio also cited a report attributed to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, which stated that only seven of Nigeria’s 774 local government areas have functional websites providing access to information on their activities and spending.
He said the situation highlights the need to deepen Akwa Ibom’s digital economy by bringing local government administration into the state’s digital space.
The motion was seconded by the member representing Uyo State Constituency, Uwemedimo Asuquo.
Following deliberation, the House mandated its Committee on Local Government to carry out oversight on the matter and report back within three months on the level of compliance.
