The Anambra State ICT Agency has outlined an ambitious digital transformation agenda centered on developing local artificial intelligence infrastructure, expanding internet access, promoting paperless government operations, and strengthening digital systems across public institutions. Anambra, located in Nigeria's Southeast geopolitical zone, is among several Nigerian states pursuing technology-led governance reform as part of broader national efforts to grow the country's digital economy.

The plans were presented during an ICTA Media Connect virtual engagement with media partners, where agency officials discussed ongoing projects, connectivity challenges, and strategic priorities.

Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, recently reappointed as Managing Director of the agency, emphasized that Anambra's digital transformation efforts remain on track. The state is pursuing a broader vision for 2030 that anticipates increased digital inclusion and technology-driven improvements in governance and public service delivery. The 2030 timeframe aligns with the horizon set by Nigeria's National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, which targets a digitally transformed nation by the end of the decade.

A central theme of the discussion was artificial intelligence. Agbata indicated that the agency intends to build its own local AI infrastructure, though specific technical details were not disclosed during the session. The initiative reflects a wider trend among governments and enterprises exploring AI for process automation and large-scale data analysis. For a state-level agency, establishing domestic AI capabilities could enable the development of AI-driven public services while reducing dependence on external platforms.

The agency is also pushing for broader adoption of digital operations across government institutions. Officials said they are actively assisting ministries, departments, and agencies in transitioning to paperless workflows. Digital systems would replace the physical transfer of files for signatures and approvals, allowing government employees to submit, review, approve, and track documents electronically.

However, this transition is contingent on whether agencies possess the necessary hardware, software, internet connectivity, and digital skills. The ICT Agency is working with departments that still lack adequate digital tools and infrastructure. Officials noted that Zenox supplied most of the computers currently used by the agency.

The overarching objective is to embed technology throughout public administration rather than treating it as a standalone program. As more government records move online and services become digital, data security has emerged as a critical concern. Officials stressed that protecting citizens' information is now as important as deploying the digital services themselves.

Agbata signaled that the agency's Vision 2030 will represent a significant departure from the current operational landscape, though specific targets were not detailed during the meeting.

During the session, the agency addressed questions about Solution WiFi, a public internet initiative in Anambra. Journalists asked whether the service remained operational. Officials confirmed it is active, including at the state secretariat, though they acknowledged some weather-related downtimes. There are currently no plans to deploy additional WiFi locations.

Officials underscored that Solution WiFi was not conceived as a campaign project, noting that it launched before the campaign period and was subsequently aligned with the state government's agenda.

A persistent challenge remains connecting residents without internet access, particularly in rural areas where commercial operators are reluctant to invest due to low returns. The agency is exploring ways to improve access in underserved communities, including initiatives to ensure residents have affordable devices. This challenge mirrors the broader Nigerian connectivity gap, where rural broadband penetration continues to lag significantly behind urban areas despite national targets to reach 90 percent broadband coverage by 2025.

Journalists at the session suggested the agency seek funding from the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), a Nigerian Communications Commission programme designed to expand telecommunications access to underserved and unserved communities, to support service expansion. Connectivity issues along major transport routes were also raised, specifically regarding MTN's work on the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. The agency said it would reach out to MTN regarding the matter.

Security concerns were another focal point, with participants calling for partnerships to strengthen the safety of public WiFi networks.

The ICT Agency intends to continue expanding digital inclusion and automating government processes as core elements of its transformation programme. Discussions also covered the need for stronger collaboration among technology stakeholders in Anambra and the wider Southeast region to foster a more cohesive tech ecosystem.

The immediate priorities for Anambra include building a solid foundation for digital transformation: ensuring reliable rural connectivity, equipping government employees with adequate tools, securing data handling practices, and simplifying access to government services. Ultimately, the success of the state's ICT Vision 2030 will be measured by how effectively these initiatives improve residents' interactions with public services, not merely by the volume of projects launched.