The Anambra State government is making significant strides towards modernizing and streamlining its budget processes for the upcoming 2024 fiscal year. This move is a reflection of Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s commitment to digital transformation within the state.
In a press release issued by the Anambra State ICT Agency in Awka, it was revealed that the agency has embarked on an initiative to expedite the configuration of official emails for state workers, thereby facilitating smoother communication and interaction.
In the statement, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, the Managing Director of the agency, stated: “In line with the Governor’s vision of complete digitalization of the state’s budget processes, the government has developed software for comprehensive digitization. Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) are expected to submit their proposals and defend them digitally.”
He further explained that access to the digitization platform created with the software would only be granted to officials of the government through their official email addresses. To facilitate this process, a dedicated desk has been established at the Ministry to assist civil servants and MDAs in setting up and configuring their official government emails on their phones and laptops. This also includes the setup and configuration of official emails for all 21 ministries and the various MDAs across the state.
Agbata emphasized the importance of using official government emails, stating, “To access the digitization platform, civil servants must log in with their official government email addresses. Any communication carried out through generic email providers such as Yahoo or Gmail addresses is deemed unofficial.”
He highlighted that this email configuration initiative exemplifies Governor Soludo’s commitment to digitizing the budget process in Anambra State and improving overall service delivery.
The automation of budget processes will undoubtedly yield numerous benefits, including increased efficiency, improved transparency, and enhanced accountability. By embracing digital technologies, the Anambra State government is taking a proactive step towards ensuring a more streamlined and modernized approach to budgeting.
As the state continues on its path towards digital transformation, it is expected that other sectors and departments will also undergo similar modernization efforts. This will ultimately contribute to the overall growth and development of Anambra State, benefiting both its residents and the wider Nigerian economy.
