Lagos, Anambra, and Enugu States have emerged as Nigeria’s top-performing states in digital governance, according to the 2025 Panorama CIAPS Governance Performance Index (CGPI). The findings were published in the 2025 E-Governance Report released by Panorama and the Commonwealth Institute of Advanced Professional Studies (CIAPS).
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The report highlights how these three states are leading in e-governance adoption, digital infrastructure, and the use of technology to drive transparency, accountability, and efficient public service delivery. Meanwhile, Adamawa, Katsina, and Rivers ranked at the bottom, raising concerns about poor digital engagement and lack of updated online government presence.
E-Governance as a Measure of State Performance
Professor Anthony Kila, Director of CIAPS, emphasized that e-governance is a key benchmark for assessing the effectiveness of state governments in the digital age.
“The centrality of e-governance allows us to assess how governments treat the digital world — which ultimately reflects their broader governance style,” Kila noted.
He stressed that e-governance enhances inclusivity, accelerates service delivery, and promotes government accountability. He called on poorly performing states to prioritize digital transformation as a core strategy for improving citizens’ access to services.
Professor Kila specifically noted that some states, including Adamawa and Bauchi, lack up-to-date policy information and functional directories for ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), reflecting digital governance weaknesses.
Report Methodology and Evaluation Criteria
Speaking on the report’s methodology, Mr. Ikenna Anabor, Chief Information Officer at CIAPS, outlined the key evaluation metrics used in ranking the states. These include:
- Website security and accessibility
- Relevance and freshness of content
- Online citizen engagement and feedback systems
- Availability of policy updates and digital directories
- E-services and empowerment opportunities
- Accountability and transparency mechanisms
The report recommends:
- Regular audits and content updates on government websites
- Mandatory adoption of secure, user-friendly digital platforms
- Integration of feedback mechanisms for real-time citizen engagement
- Training MDAs on digital content management and website maintenance
Anambra’s Recognition: A Digital Governance Success Story
Reacting to the state’s top ranking, Chukwuemeka Agbata, Managing Director/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, celebrated the report as a validation of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment to making Anambra a digitally driven smart mega-city.
“This isn’t just about being tech-savvy. It’s about using technology to make governance more transparent, inclusive, and responsive. Anambra is building a digital future that works for everyone,” Agbata said.
Why the CGPI E-Governance Report Matters
The CGPI Report on E-Governance is a data-driven initiative to assess how Nigerian states are leveraging digital tools to enhance governance. It evaluates the adoption, implementation, accessibility, and societal impact of digital platforms in public administration.
As part of Panorama’s mission to promote good governance and innovation in the public sector, the report offers actionable insights and best practices for sub-national governments.