E-Governance, Administrative Capacity and Public Service Delivery in Nigeria

E-governance improves Nigerian public service delivery only where administrative capacity, accountability mechanisms and digital infrastructure are strong enough to support it. This study examines how electronic governance, administrative efficiency and institutional accountability jointly shape the quality of public service delivery in Nigeria. It uses a qualitative documentary design: a structured, thematic synthesis of 50 scholarly and policy sources, including peer-reviewed articles, books, United Nations and World Bank reports, and national policy documents. The analysis is organised through the Technology Acceptance Model, the Technology-Organization-Environment framework and Heeks' design-reality gap model. Three conclusions emerge. First, e-governance tools raise transparency, speed and citizen access when they are matched to organisational capacity. Second, projects fail mainly where technology design assumes a capacity, skill or infrastructure base that does not exist. Third, accountability gaps and weak enforcement dilute the gains of digitalisation. The paper recommends capacity-first sequencing of digital reforms, sustained funding for infrastructure and skills, and outcome-based performance monitoring in Nigerian public institutions.