E-GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERY: AN ASSESSMENT OF EDO STATE GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (EDOGIS)

Abstract

This study examined the performance of e-governance in enhancing public service delivery in Edo State, with particular focus on the Edo State Geographic Information System (EDOGIS) as a digital land administration platform. The study assessed how the adoption of EDOGIS has influenced the efficiency of land administration processes, improved public accessibility and user satisfaction, enhanced transparency, and reduced bureaucratic bottlenecks, while also identifying the challenges affecting its optimal performance. A descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised all adult residents of Edo State, estimated at 4,777,000. Using the Taro Yamane (1967) formula, a sample size of 400 was determined. However, to improve the reliability of the results, account for possible non-response, and ensure adequate representation, the sample size was increased to 510 respondents. Data were collected through the administration of 510 structured questionnaires, out of which 470 were successfully retrieved and found valid for analysis, representing a high response rate. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square inferential technique to test the stated hypotheses. The findings revealed that EDOGIS has significantly improved the efficiency of land administration processes compared to the previous manual system. The system has also enhanced public accessibility to land-related services and increased user satisfaction. Furthermore, EDOGIS has contributed to improved transparency and a significant reduction in bureaucratic bottlenecks in public service delivery. However, the study also identified several technical, socio-economic, and institutional challenges, including limited ICT infrastructure, low digital literacy among some users, and organizational constraints affecting system performance. The study concluded that EDOGIS has made substantial contributions to modernizing land administration and improving public service delivery in Edo State. It therefore recommended continuous system improvement, increased public awareness, capacity building, infrastructural development, and institutional strengthening to ensure the sustainability and optimal performance of the system.