Abuja:Mr. Michael Oluwagbemi, Chairman of Lofty Inc. Group, has called on federal, state, and local governments to hire qualified public administration professionals to enhance institutional capacity and governance. This appeal was made at the sixth Annual International Conference of the Association of Nigerian Public Administrators (ANPA), held at the National Open University of Nigeria from October 14 to 17.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the conference, themed ‘Artificial Intelligence (AI), Digital Governance and the Future of Public Administration in Nigeria,’ highlighted the critical role of public administration in transforming political decisions into effective policies serving public interests. Oluwagbemi emphasized that professional competence is crucial for addressing challenges in public institutions and improving administrative performance amidst technological advancements.
Prof. Oyadiran Adeyinka from the University of Abuja, a resource person at the conference, noted that AI could enhance public service delivery through automated data analysis, fraud detection, and improved allocation of public resources. He pointed out that digital governance could minimize paperwork, strengthen communication between government bodies and citizens, and expand access to public services online. However, Adeyinka cautioned that technological advancements alone cannot ensure improved governance without strong institutions, reliable data, adequate infrastructure, appropriate legislation, and investment in human capital.
Challenges such as inadequate digital infrastructure, fragmented records, unequal technological access, limited digital skills, and weak institutional capacity were identified as major obstacles to digital transformation in Nigeria and other African countries. Participants were urged to develop practical solutions to enhance digital governance and administrative efficiency, ensuring technology-driven reforms meet citizens’ needs.
Dr. Charity Nwigwe, Vice-President of ANPA, highlighted that the evolving digital environment necessitates a reevaluation of policy formulation, public resource management, and strategies to maintain public trust. She noted that while some federal ministries and state governments have progressed in deploying digital systems, many local areas remain largely analogue, potentially undermining efforts to build efficient public services if rural and marginalized communities are excluded.
Prof. Kamal Bello, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Chairman of ANPA’s Board of Trustees, stressed that countries leveraging emerging technologies will improve governance and better meet citizens’ needs. Bello explained that AI could aid public administrators in making informed decisions and coordinating activities across regions. He also highlighted the importance of reliable data and relevant local inputs to ensure AI systems effectively address the needs of Nigerians.
The conference featured keynote presentations, panel discussions, and research papers focusing on governance challenges and practical approaches to public sector reform, emphasizing the need to expand broadband infrastructure and strengthen digital capabilities.