Ekiti Expands Broadband Network, Moves to Digitise Government Services

The Ekiti State Government is expanding digital connectivity and introducing technology-driven systems to improve access to government services, particularly in underserved communities.

Ayodele Ayo-Akande, Technical Assistant, Governance and Digital Communication, Ekiti State, said reliable internet access remained essential to the state’s digital economy, noting that connectivity was critical for education, businesses and public service delivery.

“Connectivity is foundational to the digital economy. Without reliable internet, a student cannot access online learning, an entrepreneur cannot fully participate in digital commerce, and government cannot deliver seamless digital services,” Ayo-Akande said.

He disclosed that the Ministry had been working on the restoration and expansion of the Ekiti State Enterprise Broadband Network, alongside efforts to improve connectivity across government institutions.

According to him, the state government had also constituted an inter-ministerial committee on fibre-optic deployment, communication and usage to coordinate strategies aimed at improving connectivity, attracting investment and supporting economic development.

Ayo-Akande said the state’s approach would focus not only on infrastructure but also on affordability, with attention to underserved communities and collaboration with telecommunications providers and other relevant partners.

He added that public institutions, including schools and healthcare facilities, would be prioritised to ensure they could benefit from reliable digital access.

On government services, Ayo-Akande said Ekiti was moving towards a more efficient, data-driven and citizen-centred system of governance through the increased use of technology.

“We are moving towards a more efficient, data-driven and citizen-centred government. Technology can reduce paperwork, improve information sharing, strengthen records management and make services easier to access,” he said.

He disclosed that the Ministry had undertaken ICT infrastructure audits, digitisation-readiness assessments and application upgrades as part of efforts towards paperless governance.

According to him, the state’s ICT policy framework also covers digital literacy, cybersecurity, data protection and online service delivery.

Ayo-Akande cited the planned EK-WASREDAMS platform for water-resource regulation as an example of the government’s broader digitalisation agenda.

He explained that the platform is designed to support digital permit applications, regulatory records, compliance monitoring, citizen complaints and online payments.

“The goal is simple: citizens should spend less time navigating administrative processes and have greater access to clear, reliable and responsive public services,” he said.

Ayo-Akande also reiterated that the government was developing a pipeline to move young people from technology consumers to creators, entrepreneurs and employers through incubation, mentorship, technical training, innovation competitions and support for early-stage businesses.