Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) Office in Nigeria, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (FMCDE) and Galaxy Backbone (GBB) organized a knowledge exchange program in Rwanda to promote eGovernment development.
The collaboration that involves Nigeria, Rwanda, and the Republic of Korea via the South-South and Triangular Cooperation and is designed specifically for the Nigerian Government Service Portal (GSP) team.
According to Mr Kayode Adebisi, Assistant Manager/eGovt Project Manager KOICA, in a statement made available to NAN, said the event held in Kigali, Rwanda.
It featured study visits and discussions related to policies, strategies, and programs for Rwanda’s digitalization journey.
Adebisi said: “During the study visit, the Nigerian GSP team embarked on a six-day working visit from August 21st to 26th, 2023.
“The study visit was organized as part of an effort to promote the exchange of knowledge and experiences between Nigeria and Rwanda through KOICA, with a specific focus on enhancing eGovernment development.
“The primary emphasis was on the efficient delivery of government digital services through a one-stop portal model.
“The delegation from Nigeria sought insights from Rwanda’s successful Irembo GSP, which serves as a prime example of GSP deployment.
“Notably, the timing of this study visit was well-suited, given that Nigeria’s GSP full deployment is still in its early stages.”
According to him, the study visit forms part of project activities under ‘the Project for Building Foundations Towards Digital Governance in Nigeria (2020 – 2026).’’
Adebisi added: “The project, which is fully funded by the Korean Government through grant aid is expected to enhance capacity for the further execution of key initiatives of the National eGovernment Master Plan, strengthen the deployment of government-wide Enterprise Architecture (EA),
“This study visit was made possible through the facilitation of Rwanda Cooperation in Kigali and Sangmyung University from the Republic of Korea.
“Improve competencies for eGovernment service delivery through capacity building programs, expand the delivery of government digital services.
“This is through the activation of the GSP www.services.gov.ng and create increased access for National Identity Number (NIN) enrolment through the establishment of additional NIN enrolment centers.”
Adebisi also said that during the study visit, the GSP team identified key factors that were crucial for successfully implementing a functional and effective Government Service Portal.
He added: “These factors include having a strong governance structure that enforces policies at the highest level and maintaining continuous engagement with stakeholders, including users (citizens and businesses) and service providers (government agencies).
“Additionally, it’s important to ensure inclusivity for seamless access, a robust digital infrastructure, and the development of necessary skills.
“A significant highlight of the study visit was the collaborative workshop involving the Smart Africa Alliance and the Nigerian GSP team.”
Prof. Muhammed Abubakar, the Managing Director of Nigeria’s Galaxy Backbone, expressed gratitude to Mr Minjae Kang, Deputy Country Director of KOICA, for his contributions to Nigeria’s eGovernment development.
He said that the success of the GSP hinged on hosting it on a national infrastructure to reach underserved areas and ensure system interoperability among various government agencies in Nigeria.
Adebisi added that the insights gained from the study visit in Rwanda would play a pivotal role in strengthening Nigeria’s ongoing digitization efforts, especially as the GSP achieved full functionality.
In his remarks, the Deputy Country Director of KOICA, Rwanda, Mr Kim Kwonho, who represented the Country Director commended it’s efforts in driving a convergence point between Rwanda and Nigeria, in the area of digital governance.
He re-echoed the importance and benefits of cooperative efforts among different countries through knowledge sharing and exchange programs.
The Nigerian GSP team consisted of representatives from nine government agencies, some of whom will contribute their digital services to the GSP once it becomes operational.
The activation of Nigeria’s Government Service Portal is the central focus of this project and development of the portal is expected to be completed within an 18-month period.
