E-governance saved Edo N60bn stationery costs

The Edo State Commissioner for Mines and Energy, Donatus Ojiefoh, on Wednesday, said the e-governance platform instituted by the state government has saved the state over N60 billion.

The use of the e-government platform was developed in 2021 and was made compulsory for all Ministries Department and Agencies on September 1, 2023, which led to the elimination of the use of paper and stationary in the system.

In an interview with journalists on Thursday, the Commissioner said that Governor Godwin Obaseki’s vision to put the state on a high pedestal led to the e-governance initiative, which has transformed the way the business of governance is conducted in the state.

He said: “If Obaseki was the governor before he was voted in, Edo State would have been one of the richest in the federation. The next governor would work hard to march Obaseki’s achievements. The governor is someone who understands the investment and development status of the state at the moment.

“Edo State is 10 years ahead of other states apart from Lagos. Edo has put over 20 million files, since the state was created, into the e-governance structure and it is the only state operating 100 per cent e-governance, thereby eradicating the delay and bureaucracy associated with governance.

“Obaseki has saved over N60 billion for Edo State just on office stationery alone. Whatever paper you see in my office are external papers or files. It takes a man who understands saving system to achieve this and we are the only state in Nigeria that has completely moved from analogue to digital.”

He also disclosed that the state government reforms in the electricity and the solid mineral sectors have repositioned the state as one of the most business-friendly in Nigeria.

He urged voters to elect a governor who can sustain the achievement of Governor Obaseki, noting that failure to do so would set the state back several years.

He said the state government has registered the Edo State Mining and Investment Company and has obtained 40 mining licenses, adding that government reforms put in place have continued to yield positive results.

He noted that to sustain the state government reforms and achievements, voters in the forthcoming September 21st governorship election should not make the mistake of voting for a candidate who lacks an understanding of investment and development