Exploring uses and applications of digital and e-governance systems in Lagos State public sector, Nigeria

Abstract Digitation is pivotal in today’s business activities and engagement. Lagos State Government has over the years adopted E-governance, which involves using technology to pilot all spheres of government activities. The overarching objective of this study is to espouse the uses and application of digital technology in the activities and processes of the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development. A review of available literature indicated that digital technology is key to the ministry’s performance as part of the Lagos Smart City initiatives to address service delivery. The research traced the historical development of digitisation in the ministry and as well identified the digital tools employed by the ministry in its daily operations. The study used the case study and participant methods to generate the data. The researcher was a participant observer in the ministry activities and daily operations. The study found that the ministry engages in the use of WhatsApp to communicate among its seven departments and four agencies. Other digital means such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are employed to reach other clients and stakeholders of the ministry. The study recommended the fast-tracking of the ministry's digitisation process as a solution for effective monitoring of the urban and physical environment of the Lagos state. Key Words: e-governance, Public Sector, Lagos State, Digital Tools, Participant Observer. About the Authors * Hassan Biodun Suleiman, Ph.D., is a Senior Lecturer and the Sub–Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Lagos State University, Ojo Lagos, Nigeria. He has interest in acquiring skills in different aspects of media and information technology, legislative studies, local and international history. ** Mukaila Olabamiji Sanusi is a Deputy Director, Public Affairs in the Lagos State Public Service of Nigeria. He has served in the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Ministry of the Environment and Lagos State Pension Commission. He set up the Public Affairs office in the newly created Office of Overseas Affairs and Investment (Lagos Global). JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 15, No. 1, Special Issue 3, July 2023, pp. 109-117 © Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON). Article Citation Suleiman, H. B. & Sanusi, M. O. (2023). Exploring uses and applications of digital and e-governance systems in Lagos State public sector, Nigeria. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 15 (1, SP.3): 109-117. Full Article Words: 5,915 Pages: 9 To access full article, click on download.