Benue State initiates comprehensive five-day training program to equip 40,000 civil servants with e-governance skills

The governor of Benue state has launched a five-day digital training program aimed at equipping 40,000 civil servants and local government staff with essential e-governance and ICT skills. The training, held in Makurdi, the state capital, is designed to enhance service delivery, improve transparency, and prepare the workforce for a digitally-driven future.

During the program’s inauguration, Governor Alia highlighted the importance of embracing technology in governance. “These initiatives are empowering people, enhancing transparency, and embracing the possibilities of a digitally-driven economy while fostering a future-ready civil service that adapts to a rapidly evolving world,” he said.

The event also saw the unveiling of four key e-governance platforms:

Electronic Document Management System (EDMS): A tool for efficient document processing, storage, and retrieval within government ministries.

Benue State Geographic Information Systems (BENGIS) Portal: A platform to streamline land management services and reduce bureaucratic delays.

Benue Youth Startup and Innovation Support Portal: A hub to nurture entrepreneurship through mentorship opportunities and financial support.

Office of Benue Head of Service Website: A website aimed at improving communication and information sharing within the civil service.

The Managing Director of Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC), Terwase Hembaor Gbande, highlighted the state’s commitment to technological growth. He pointed out previous initiatives such as partnering with Microsoft Corporation to train 10,000 youths on ICT skills and establishing the Benue Fashion and ICT Hub.

This latest effort complements another major partnership between Benue State and Google to train an additional 10,000 youths in ICT. The collaboration aims to empower young people with skills needed to thrive in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.

Representatives from national agencies like NITDA, Galaxy Backbone Ltd., and the National Data Protection Commission praised the initiative. Moses Agbogbo Ode, Head of Benue State Civil Service, emphasized that transitioning from analogue to digital operations will improve efficiency and service delivery across government institutions.