Abia to unveil citizens’ engagement centre, boost digital governance drive

The Abia State Government says it is set to unveil a citizens’ engagement centre designed to strengthen communication between the government and residents through a technology-driven, real-time feedback system.

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The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing reporters in Umuahia on the outcome of Monday’s State Executive Council meeting.

Mr Kanu stated that the centre would operate as a robust digital platform, receiving and processing citizens’ inquiries, complaints, suggestions, and feedback, and then forwarding them to relevant ministries, departments, and agencies for prompt action.

He explained that beyond improving service delivery, the facility would function as a data hub to support evidence-based policymaking, programme evaluation, and feedback management across government institutions. According to him, the initiative reflects the present administration’s commitment to participatory governance and efficient public service delivery.

Furthermore, Mr Kanu announced that the state government has entered into a strategic partnership with MTN Nigeria to achieve 100 per cent voice and data network coverage across the state. The first phase of the project, which targets full coverage, is expected to be completed within eight to 10 weeks.

He noted that the project would significantly enhance social and financial inclusion and improve access to healthcare, education, and security services. Upon completion, residents across both urban and remote communities are expected to have access to reliable broadband connectivity.

Also speaking, the Chief Information Officer to the Governor, Gerald Ilukwe, said the partnership with MTN would focus on network densification across all parts of the state to ensure seamless connectivity.

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Mr Ilukwe clarified that the citizens’ engagement centre would not be a physical walk-in office but a contact platform that allows citizens to interact with the government via telephone calls, email, WhatsApp, and other digital channels.

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He described the system as operating similarly to modern customer service platforms used by banks and telecommunications companies, enabling residents to access services, lodge complaints, and receive responses without visiting government offices in person.

He added that the initiative is part of the government’s efforts to deepen transparency, improve responsiveness, and strengthen citizen-government engagement across the state.

(NAN)