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By Osasómé C.O
Benue Govt Embarks on Full Digital Transformation of Public Service
In line with Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia’s directive that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Benue State must be fully digitally automated by November 30, 2025, the Office of the Head of Service (OHOS) has taken a bold step forward by launching a comprehensive digital transformation and capacity-building programme for its staff.
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To actualize the Governor’s vision of a digitally driven, efficient, and transparent public sector, the Head of Service (HOS), Prince Moses Agbogbo Ode, established a Digital Transformation Task Team (DTTT) within the OHOS to coordinate the automation process across the state’s public service.
Strategic Milestones in the Digital Compliance Journey
Since its inauguration, the DTTT has recorded major milestones that are laying the foundation for full automation. These include:
- Development of the Digital Compliance Plan
- Baseline Assessment and Readiness Review of departments
- Dissemination of the approved compliance plan
- Active stakeholder engagement and interface sessions
The Head of Service emphasized that part of the strategy involves preparing the workforce for the upcoming digital transition through structured training and capacity-building exercises.
Training 90 Officers for a Fully Automated OHOS
As part of the implementation plan, the OHOS, in partnership with the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), has commenced training for over 90 staff members on digital automation systems and workflow management.
The training, currently taking place in Makurdi, aims to equip participants with the technical and practical digital skills necessary to automate administrative processes, enhance efficiency, and improve public service delivery.
Speaking at the opening session, Prince Ode commended BDIC for its strategic collaboration. He described the training as timely and impactful. The HOS reaffirmed the Governor’s resolve to make Benue’s public service a model of digital efficiency and innovation.
“This initiative will enhance workflow automation, data management, and overall administrative efficiency. I urge all MDAs to emulate this example and ensure full compliance with His Excellency’s directive by November 30, 2025,” Ode stated.
BDIC Backs Alia’s Vision for a Digital Benue
In his remarks, the Managing Director/CEO of BDIC, Mr. Gbande Hembaor Terwase, described the automation programme as a strategic step toward realizing Governor Alia’s vision of a digitally enabled, accountable, and transparent government.
“Digitization is the cornerstone of modern governance. This partnership between OHOS and BDIC reinforces Benue’s commitment to using technology for efficiency, transparency, and innovation in the public sector,” he said.
The mandatory digitization initiative, jointly driven by OHOS and BDIC, forms part of a broader framework to make Benue State a model of e-governance and digital excellence in Nigeria.
Governor Alia’s Digital Vision for Benue
Governor Alia’s ICT and Digital Transformation Vision seeks to build a “Digital Benue” that is inclusive, innovative, and economically vibrant. The strategic pillars of this vision include:
- Digital Infrastructure: Expanding high-speed internet and connectivity across the state.
- E-Governance: Automating government systems for transparency and efficiency.
- Youth Empowerment: Providing training in digital skills, freelancing, and entrepreneurship.Economic Growth: Driving innovation-led development and digital job creation.
- Innovation and Production: Promoting local tech manufacturing and innovation hubs.
- Inclusive Transformation: Ensuring digital benefits reach rural and urban communities alike.
Key Digital Initiatives Underway in Benue State
To achieve these goals, several initiatives are already in progress, including:
- Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC): spearheading broadband and e-governance systems.
- “One Student, One Digital Skill, One Computer” Programme: promoting digital literacy in schools.
- Benue Fashion and ICT Hub: supporting youth creativity, innovation, and enterprise.
- Public-Private Partnerships: fostering collaborations with local and international tech partners.
- Tech Camps and Capacity-Building Programmes: nurturing digital talent across the state.
Towards a Fully Digital Benue by 2025
The current training is scheduled to run until October 30, 2025, and marks the first in a series of capacity-building activities designed to ensure every MDA in Benue meets the Governor’s digital automation deadline.
Through this initiative, Benue State is positioning itself as a national leader in digital governance, setting a precedent for technology-driven public sector reform in Nigeria.
