THE CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTING E-GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES AT THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEVEL IN EDO STATE: A CASE STUDY OF OREDO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

The study investigated the challenges of implementing e-government initiatives at the local government level in Edo State: A case study of Oredo Local Government Area. The core objective was to identify the major infrastructural, human capital, institutional, and financial barriers hindering the effective adoption and sustainability of digital governance at the grassroots. The research adopted a Descriptive Survey Design and sampled a total of ninety (90) respondents, comprising both local government staff and residents who interact with the council's services. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using frequency counts and simple percentages. The study revealed a significant implementation gap, driven primarily by three key factors: weak infrastructural support (unstable power supply and poor internet access), low human capacity (lack of regular staff training and digital literacy), and inadequate institutional commitment (insufficient budgetary allocation for ICT and weak political will). These factors result in the continued dominance of manual processes, which limit service efficiency and citizen engagement. It was concluded that the successful transition to e-government in Oredo Local Government Area is critically dependent on addressing these foundational structural and behavioral deficiencies. The study recommended, among others, that: the Local Government should prioritize significant and consistent budgetary allocation for ICT infrastructure and maintenance; regular and mandatory ICT training should be organized for all staff; and political leadership must demonstrate sustained commitment to digital initiatives to ensure their success and sustainability.