Alia’s Govtech Honour: A recognition that did not come as a surprise

The Nigeria GOVTECH Public Service Award 2026 was an indication that when leadership delivers results, recognition ceases to be a surprise and becomes an affirmation of performance. 

This very important award to the Governor is a fitting national endorsement of an administration repositioning Benue State through digital innovation, institutional reforms and technology-driven governance. The honour is a true recognition of a vision being translated into institutions, infrastructure and measurable progress.

The Federal Government’s recognition follows a comparative assessment of digital government performance across states, covering digital service delivery, infrastructure, institutional readiness, transparency, innovation and partnerships. Governor Alia’s selection acknowledges the growing role of technology in his administration’s approach to governance.

Under Governor Alia’s leadership, Benue is building a coordinated digital governance framework through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, BENDISMEA and BDIC. Key investments include electronic document management, digital land administration, fibre-optic connectivity to government MDAs, and the ongoing implementation of a contract for 3,500 computers and high-end servers.

The administration has also prioritised digital capacity-building in the civil service. From 2025 to date, 30,000 state and local government civil servants have been trained in digital technology tools and data privacy through BDIC, in collaboration with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission.

For ordinary Benue citizens, these initiatives promise more efficient public services. Electronic document management can reduce delays associated with physical files, improve records retrieval, strengthen accountability and make government processes more transparent and responsive.

The digital agenda also extends to the legislative arm. The Benue e-Parliament Management System, supported by training and the provision of laptops to standing committees, is introducing technology-enabled legislative processes. Training conducted for lawmakers, directors and committee secretaries in 2025 covered a platform designed to support paperless documentation, virtual participation and access to legislative information. These measures are intended to strengthen lawmaking, legislative oversight and public accountability.

Beyond government institutions, the administration is creating opportunities for Benue’s young population. The government has provided technology-skills training for 10,000 youths, conducted the first and second children’s technology boot camps through BDIC in 2025 and 2026, and is currently training 20,000 youths in digital skills in collaboration with Cisco Networking Academy and BDIC.

The ongoing development of the Benue State Digital Economy and E-Governance Training Centre at the Benue Public Service Institute will provide a permanent institutional foundation for digital capacity-building. 

Similarly, the establishment of a special ICT centre for persons with disabilities and the training of its first and second cohorts demonstrate a commitment to inclusion, ensuring that digital development creates opportunities for citizens whose circumstances may limit their access to conventional programmes.

The administration has also approved a digital register for artisans to improve the visibility of skilled workers, facilitate referrals and support targeted training and enterprise programmes.

To encourage private-sector investment in broadband infrastructure, the governor has provided a free right of way for telecommunications operators and clamped down on illegal tax collections affecting their operations, thereby reducing avoidable obstacles to network expansion.

Collectively, these initiatives offer Benue an opportunity to improve the relationship between government and citizens by reducing bureaucratic delays, strengthening financial and administrative transparency, improving records management and creating a more enabling environment for businesses and investors.

Governor Alia’s GovTech honour must therefore be understood within the broader context of the institutional transformation underway in Benue. 

While receiving a national award at the Presidential Villa is prestigious, the greater significance lies in the opportunity to consolidate existing progress, complete ongoing projects, expand digital access and ensure that the benefits of technology reach citizens in both urban centres and rural communities.

Sir Tersoo Kula, mnipr

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor