Anambra State Champions Digital Governance With Solution Lens Platform

Anambra State has taken a remarkable step towards enhancing transparency, citizen participation, and technology-driven governance with the recent launch of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Action Plan 2.0.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in partnership with UNICEF, was celebrated at an event showcasing the innovative Solution Lens platform, developed by the Anambra State ICT Agency.

According to the Public Relations Officer of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Angela Nwanodu, Solution Lens is a pioneering digital tool designed to foster open governance and amplify citizen engagement.

While it has not yet been officially launched, stakeholders were given an exclusive preview of its capabilities, which underline the Soludo administration’s commitment to utilizing technology to close the gap between government and the public.

She says, “Solution Lens is ‘open governance made easy.”

The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning. This citizen engagement platform allows individuals to track government projects, voice concerns, and engage with policymakers directly. Nnake emphasised that the ultimate aim is to create a tangible impact on the lives of citizens.

Charging forward, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, highlighted how the platform aligns with Governor Soludo’s vision of transforming Anambra into a smart, livable, and prosperous megacity. Agbata pointed out that the platform is dynamic and grows stronger with active citizen involvement.

“Anambra is among the first states to consolidate all its digital resources on a unified platform—anambrastate.gov.ng.

“Solution Lens, with its dedicated URL lens.anambrastate.gov.ng, expands this domain to empower citizens. Its true strength lies in fostering interaction; the more people engage, the more impactful it becomes.”

Stakeholders lauded the platform for its transparency and interactive features, such as real-time access to state project data mapped via GPS. This unprecedented visibility empowers citizens to closely monitor the progress of local initiatives.

A Social Policy Officer at UNICEF Enugu, Dr Victor Chima commended the initiative, stating that, if executed properly, Solution Lens could serve as a comprehensive showcase of the state’s achievements.

“It illustrates how Anambra is performing  locally, nationally, and globally,  all at the click of a button,” he noted.

A private sector representative, Mr Ezeodili Francis highlighted the platform’s ability to visually display project locations and statuses, noting that  real-time implementation for community projects. Ugochi Ehiahuruke, Executive Director of the Social and Integral Development Centre (SIDEC), encouraged citizens to leverage the platform to ensure their needs are voiced and addressed.

The e National OGP Coordinator, Dr. Gloria Amadi described Solution Lens as an exceptional “citizens’ feedback mechanism” and lauded Anambra’s leadership in advancing accessible governance.

As anticipation builds for the official launch of Solution Lens, this initiative positions Anambra State as a trailblazer in citizen-driven, technology-enabled governance in Nigeria, demonstrating a firm commitment to not just talk about open governance but to actively implement it.

In parallel developments, the MD/CEO of the Anambra State ICT Agency, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, recently discussed the transformative impact of the Soludo administration’s “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere” agenda on the Governance Unplugged podcast.

“The agenda has seen a monumental reduction in Right of Way (RoW) charges, paving the way for enhanced broadband access across Anambra State. This policy shift allowed telecom providers to expedite fiber optic infrastructure rollout, marking a critical advancement in connectivity for households, businesses, markets, and educational institutions.

“The consequences have been broad-ranging: public Wi-Fi now serves pivotal locations, including Onitsha Main Market and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, empowering trade and smart learning initiatives.

“Moreover, the digitisation of the civil service has transformed the operational landscape, with the number of functional computers surging from under 300 to over 4,000 devices assigned across various ministries and local government areas. The Smart Schools Project aims to elevate these numbers further.”

Agbata elaborated on the transition to digital governance, noting the establishment of a unified digital identity at anambrastate.gov.ng, allowing civil servants to conduct official business from their offices instead of relying on external cyber cafés.

He says, “Through partnerships with educational institutions, the agency has collaboratively developed critical solutions, including E-ID cards for civil servants, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive, efficient, and innovative public sector.”

Overall, Agbata asserted that Governor Soludo administration was acting as a catalyst for a digital revolution, fostering a thriving ecosystem where public-private partnerships can flourish.

He added that this embodies the intersection of technology and governance, placing Anambra at the forefront of smart state-building initiatives in Nigeria.

 

 

Confidence Okwuchi