ICT and Quality Service Delivery in Nigeria: An Assessment of Edo Geographic Information System

Abstract

The Land administration in Edo State, Nigeria, has been reeled with numerous issues that bordered on land grabbing, in-depth corrupt practices, high level of criminality, improper allocation of land, untold hardship in the acquisition of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O), extreme monetization of land development stages, etc. Several attempts were made by the state government and the traditional institutions to remedy the situation but to no avail. However, in 2017, Edo Geographical Information System was created to utilize ICT measure as a means to ameliorate the situation. This study, therefore, examined EdoGIS by assessing the impacts of ICT application on land administration in the state. Relying on the survey research design, and both the quantitative and qualitative methods of research, the study revealed that ICT application has greatly impacted land administration and access in the state with a correlation of .384 @ p < 0.01. It also revealed that the application of ICT in land administration in Edo state has ensured land security albeit with a mixed public opinion. While acknowledging the impact of ICT application on land processes, the findings revealed some challenges that border on digital divide, lack of awareness and corrupt practices by members of staff. Thus, the study recommended that the government ensure inclusivity and building trust through continuous engagement and awareness education. Also, the study recommended that corrupt officers should be strictly monitored through digitalized means.