Enugu State has emerged as the winner of the 2026 Nigeria eGovernment Excellence Award, a national recognition for its digital transformation programme. The award was presented in Lagos on September 10 during the eighth Nigeria eGovernment Summit and Excellence Awards. This recognition is a significant endorsement of the digital governance reforms being pursued by the administration of Governor Peter Mbah. The award acknowledges Enugu's efforts to harness technology for economic growth, efficient public services, and greater citizen empowerment.
The award was presented to Enugu State for its efforts to harness technology as a catalyst for economic growth, more efficient public services, and greater citizen empowerment. The organising committee pointed to the state's growing adoption of digital solutions across government, as authorities seek to make public administration faster, more accessible, and more responsive. Governor Mbah's administration has increasingly turned to technology to modernise public institutions, improve access to services, and strengthen engagement between citizens and the state.
Governor Peter Mbah was the Special Guest of Honour at the summit, represented by the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Dr Lawrence Ezeh. Dr Ezeh said digital transformation had become a central pillar of Governor Mbah's wider reform agenda. He emphasised that technology was being deployed not simply as an administrative tool but as a means of reshaping the relationship between government, citizens, and businesses.
The state's digitalisation programme has extended across various areas, including public administration, finance and revenue management, land administration, healthcare, security, education, and infrastructure planning. Digital platforms and data-driven systems aim to improve efficiency and widen access to government services. Dr Ezeh highlighted that Governor Mbah had consistently identified digital infrastructure and innovation as important foundations for economic expansion, investment, and the creation of a more competitive environment for businesses.
Dr Ezeh, who joined a panel examining broadband connectivity, digital infrastructure, right-of-way reforms, election infrastructure, cybersecurity, and public-private collaboration, said the administration believed that effective governance increasingly depended on the intelligent use of technology. The panel discussions were part of the summit, which featured various stakeholders in the digital governance space.
The latest award adds to the growing national profile of Enugu's technology-led governance agenda and comes as governments across Nigeria face increasing pressure to modernise public services and respond to the demands of an increasingly digital economy. Dr Ezeh described the recognition as a reflection of the collective efforts of public servants, technology professionals, development partners, and residents who had contributed to the state's digital transformation journey.
The 2026 summit was held under the theme, “Mainstreaming Technologies in Nigeria Election Management”, and featured discussions on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data protection, digital inclusion, broadband infrastructure, and technology-enabled public administration. The award will serve as an incentive for the government to accelerate reforms and expand the use of technology across public institutions.
Key points
- Enugu State won the 2026 Nigeria eGovernment Excellence Award for its digital transformation programme.
- The award recognises Enugu's efforts to harness technology for economic growth, efficient public services, and greater citizen empowerment.
- The state's digitalisation programme has extended across various areas, including public administration, finance, and revenue management.
