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- Governor Alia launches Nigeria’s first subnational paperless executive council system
The Benue State House of Assembly Committee on ICT and Digital Economy, led by Hon. Angbo Kennedy Agbogo, has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the state’s digital future. In an oversight visit to the headquarters of the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company PLC (BDIC), the committee reviewed the company’s achievements and strategic direction in digitizing governance, driving innovation, and expanding ICT infrastructure statewide.
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During the visit, the lawmakers expressed strong support for the proposed Benue State Digital Economy and E-Governance Law, which seeks to provide BDIC with the legal foundation to scale operations, improve service delivery, create jobs, and boost internally generated revenue (IGR).
Lawmakers Pledge Support for Digital Economy Legislation
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Angbo, praised BDIC’s role in positioning Benue as a digitally progressive state and pledged the Assembly’s collaboration on legislation that attracts investment and creates new opportunities for youths and businesses in the state.
Governor Alia Launches Nigeria’s First Subnational Paperless Executive Council System
In a landmark move, Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia launched the Paperless Executive Council System, making Benue State one of the first subnational governments in Nigeria to digitize its cabinet operations fully. This innovation aligns with the Benue State Digital Economy Framework and E-Governance Agenda, a strategic roadmap to modernize governance with smart, transparent, and efficient digital tools.
The system was launched with a dedicated training session for EXCO members, facilitated by BDIC in Makurdi.
BDIC Deploys Indigenous Solutions for Secure, Smart Governance
The Paperless EXCO System is powered by two proprietary solutions developed by BDIC:
- Virtual Executive Council Meeting Infrastructure: Securely supports remote, high-level government deliberations.
- Executive Memorandum Management Platform: Automates submission, review, and approval processes, eliminating the need for paper.
To enhance participation and seamless access, each cabinet member, including the governor, received a 10th-generation iPad with unlimited data access. The system enables decision-making from anywhere in the world—be it Makurdi, Abuja, Dubai, or Washington D.C.
Legislators Laud BDIC CEO’s Continental Appointment and Statewide Reforms
Lawmakers also celebrated the recent appointment of Mr. Terwase Hembaor Gbande, BDIC’s Managing Director/CEO, as President of the Africa Digital Infrastructure Corporation (AfDIC). They described his elevation as a testament to Benue’s growing influence in Africa’s digital transformation.
Mr. Gbande emphasized the need for legislative support to institutionalize reforms and pledged BDIC’s continued transparency and innovation. He noted that the Paperless EXCO System aligns with global models such as:
- Dubai’s Smart Government, which saves $350 million and 14 million hours annually.
- Estonia’s Digital Cabinet Platform, enabling real-time virtual decisions.
- Rwanda’s Irembo Platform, which revolutionized citizen service delivery.
Benefits of the Benue Paperless Executive Council System
- Transparency: Real-time memo access eliminates ambiguity.
- Efficiency: Instant document review, approval, and archiving.
- Cost Savings: Cuts printing, courier, and administrative costs.
- Accessibility: Remote participation with full data security.
- Environmental Sustainability: Promotes eco-friendly governance through paper reduction.
