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Historic Move Towards Paperless, Citizen-Driven Legislature
In a landmark step towards technology-driven governance, the Benue State House of Assembly has officially launched Nigeria’s first fully digital e-Parliament system.
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The initiative, unveiled at a high-level breakfast meeting led by Gbande Hembaor-Terwase, Managing Director/CEO of the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company PLC (BDIC), and attended by Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Aondona Hycinth Dajo, marks a new era of paperless lawmaking, virtual sittings, and citizen-inclusive governance.
Developed entirely by BDIC, the system aligns with Governor Hyacinth Iormen Alia’s “Digital Benue” vision, positioning Benue as a trailblazer in legislative digital transformation.
What the e-Parliament Means for Benue Citizens
The Benue e-Parliament integrates cutting-edge Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to digitize legislative processes, boost efficiency, and strengthen transparency. Key features include:
- e-Petitions and Complaints Portal – Citizens can submit petitions online 24/7, track progress, and receive timely updates.
- Virtual Public Hearing Platform – Enables participation from rural communities, diaspora Nigerians, youths, and persons with disabilities.
- Digital Bill & Budget Management – Eliminates printing costs and allows real-time collaboration among lawmakers.
- Live Streaming & Open Access Documents – Grants citizens real-time visibility into legislative activities.
The system removes geographical and socio-economic barriers, fostering deeper public engagement in policymaking.
Boosting Legislative Efficiency & Accountability
For lawmakers, the e-Parliament provides automated workflows for bill tracking, voting, and committee coordination, significantly cutting administrative delays. This efficiency strengthens democratic accountability and public trust while reducing operational costs.
“By adopting full-scale e-Parliament implementation, Benue is making history as Nigeria’s first truly digital subnational legislature,” said Hembaor-Terwase. “This positions the state as a national benchmark in cost-effective, citizen-driven lawmaking.”
Part of a Bigger Digital Transformation Agenda
This innovation builds on BDIC’s strategic partnerships, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to enhance digital literacy, smart education, and ICT infrastructure.
Recent initiatives under the Digital Benue program include:
- AI, Coding, and Digital Skills Training for educators in 15 pilot secondary schools.
- Deployment of Electronic Emergency Management & Drone Surveillance Systems for real-time crisis monitoring.
- Expansion of ICT-based governance tools across all ministries and agencies.
Governor Hyacinth Iornem Alia’s leadership has earned him a spot among the “50 Most Valuable Personalities in Nigeria’s Digital Economy 2025”, recognized for driving tech adoption in governance and public services.
Benue: Pioneering Technology-Driven Governance in Nigeria
With its e-Parliament, emergency surveillance systems, and education technology rollouts, Benue State is positioning itself as Nigeria’s model for inclusive, efficient, and transparent governance in the digital era.
As the first subnational entity to fully digitize its legislative process, Benue’s success story could inspire similar transformations nationwide, reinforcing technology’s role as a catalyst for democratic participation, cost reduction, and improved service delivery.
