Osun State Partners with UK on Digital Reforms and Public Service Delivery

The Osun State Government has partnered with the United Kingdom to boost its digital economy, expand internet access, and enhance public service delivery. This collaboration is under the UK-funded Digital Access Programme, aiming to support policy and institutional reforms for Osun's digital transformation. The initiative followed months of consultations and assessments by the British Deputy High Commission and state officials.

The partnership, known as State-level Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Reforms Enabling Digital Transformation (SPRIRET), is guided by the UK–Nigeria Strategic Partnership. It focuses on five key areas: reforms to Osun's digital economy policies and institutions; digital infrastructure, connectivity, and access; civic technology and digitization of public services; capacity development; and coordination of the state's digital economy ecosystem.

The Initiative for Digital Inclusion (iDi) will implement the programme in collaboration with the Osun State Government. Governor Ademola Adeleke emphasized that this partnership would position Osun to compete in the digital economy and create opportunities for residents. He expressed appreciation for the UK Government's confidence in Osun's vision and commitment to ensuring that residents benefit from improved digital access and public services.

The British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Jonny Baxter, highlighted that the programme was co-designed with the governor's team to strengthen policies, systems, and institutions needed for the state's digital economy. He noted that the UK is proud to partner with Osun State on this ambitious programme, which aims to promote economic growth, job creation, and wider access to digital opportunities.

Bamikole Omishore, the governor's Special Adviser on Sustainable Development Goals and Multilateral Relations, reaffirmed the state's commitment to international partnerships supporting the Sustainable Development Goals. The government prioritizes inclusive, technology-driven growth at the centre of governance. This partnership aligns with Osun's efforts to leverage technology for sustainable development and improve the quality of life for its residents.

This digital partnership comes after Osun State announced a collaboration with a Chinese technology company, Hefei Shengwen Information Technology Company Limited, to establish an AI-powered surveillance system. The proposed security project involves deploying AI-enabled cameras, drones, radar, robotics, and Internet of Things devices linked to a central Command and Control Centre for round-the-clock monitoring.

The AI surveillance system aims to cover critical public facilities, including schools, banks, farms, mining sites, commercial centres, motor parks, and other areas across the state. Additionally, the Chinese partnership includes a Safe School initiative and a mobile application for residents to connect directly with the command centre, enhancing security and community engagement.

Key points

• The partnership aims to promote economic growth, job creation, and wider access to digital opportunities.
• The programme focuses on five key areas, including reforms to Osun's digital economy policies and institutions, and civic technology and digitization of public services.
• Osun State is also collaborating with a Chinese company on an AI-powered surveillance system to tackle insecurity.