Anambra State Unveils SmartGov Digital Services Platform
Anambra State Government has launched the beta version of SmartGov, a digital platform designed to give residents access to more than 31 public services through a single online interface.
The state disclosed the development in a statement released on Wednesday, describing SmartGov as a tool that enables citizens to access government information and services remotely, with artificial intelligence guiding users through official procedures.
AI-Powered Access to Government Services
SmartGov is accessible via web platforms, voice-enabled channels, and WhatsApp, reducing the need for physical visits to government offices and manual paperwork.
At the core of the platform is an AI-powered digital assistant known as NORA, which has been trained on Anambra State government services, processes, and official directories.
The assistant is designed to respond to user questions in plain language and guide residents to the appropriate service, requirement, or online portal.
Service Categories Available on SmartGov
According to the state, SmartGov currently covers eight major service categories, including:
- Taxes and revenue
- Land and property services
- Business-related services
- Health services
- Education
- Security and complaints
- Transport and vehicle services
- Culture and tourism
Users can interact with the platform by asking questions, receiving step-by-step guidance, and completing transactions where digital processing is available.
24-Hour, Multilingual Access
The platform offers 24-hour access and supports multiple languages, including English and Igbo, to improve inclusivity and ease of use. Officials said the initiative is aimed at addressing challenges such as limited office hours, physical distance from government offices, and the complexity of bureaucratic procedures.
Officials Highlight Ease of Use and Efficiency
Speaking on the launch, Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Anambra State ICT Agency, said SmartGov was developed to simplify interactions between citizens and government.
“SmartGov is more than a service directory. It is an intelligent gateway that makes government interactions simple, fast, and reliable,” Agbata said.
He added that the platform serves as a central access point for official information and public services across the state.
Feedback and Continuous Improvement
The beta release includes a built-in feedback mechanism that allows users to report issues or suggest improvements directly through the platform’s website.
The AI assistant can also guide users through the feedback process where necessary. Officials said this feature complements existing grievance redress mechanisms and official government email channels.
Aligned With Federal Government’s Digitisation Agenda
Anambra State’s digital initiative aligns with the broader digitisation agenda of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
In June, the federal government directed all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to fully digitise their operations and transition to paperless workflows by the end of 2025.
According to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Didi Walson-Jack, the directive is a key objective of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan 2021–2025 (FCSSIP 25), which concludes on December 31.
The reform agenda prioritises digital transformation, improved performance management, and more efficient service delivery across the public sector.
