Anambra Pushes Frontiers of Open Governance with ‘Solution Lens’ Platform and Digital Action Plan

 

In a landmark stride toward inclusive governance and digital innovation, Anambra State has unveiled its Open Government Partnership (OGP) Action Plan 2.0, cementing its status as one of Nigeria’s trailblazers in transparent, citizen-centric administration.

The initiative, driven by the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in partnership with UNICEF, introduced stakeholders to a game-changing platform dubbed Solution Lens—an innovative digital engagement tool designed to deepen public participation and heighten accountability in governance.

Though yet to be officially launched, Solution Lens was presented at a high-level event that showcased its potential as a cornerstone of the state's transformation agenda. Developed by the Anambra State ICT Agency, the platform is built to provide real-time access to government project data, enabling citizens to track progress, raise concerns, and engage directly with decision-makers.

“Solution Lens is open governance made easy,” stated Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, who emphasized that the tool will not only foster transparency but tangibly improve lives across the state. By bridging the gap between policy and people, the platform aims to transform how citizens interact with their government.

At the heart of this digital push is the Soludo administration’s broader vision to establish Anambra as a smart, livable, and economically vibrant megacity. Chukwuemeka Fred Agbata, Managing Director of the ICT Agency, spoke passionately about the transformative power of technology during the event, stressing that citizen involvement is key to the platform’s success.

“Anambra is among the first states to house all digital assets on a centralized portal—anambrastate.gov.ng,” Agbata explained. “With lens.anambrastate.gov.ng, we’re taking it a step further—empowering people to interact with governance in real time. Its true value grows with use.”

The Solution Lens platform, stakeholders noted, provides visual insights into project implementation across communities, powered by GPS mapping that enhances visibility and civic oversight. The transparency it offers, they agreed, has the potential to revolutionize how public services are monitored and delivered.

Representing UNICEF at the event, Dr. Victor Chima praised the project’s alignment with global standards of transparency and accountability. He described the platform as a compelling tool that, when executed effectively, could serve as a real-time mirror of Anambra’s development journey.

Private sector and civil society leaders also voiced support. Mr. Ezeodili Francis, a business representative, noted the platform’s ability to showcase project statuses with clarity, while Ugochi Ehiahuruke of SIDEC encouraged citizens to utilize the tool in advocating for their community needs.

Dr. Gloria Amadi, the National Coordinator of the OGP in Nigeria, called the Solution Lens a model “citizens’ feedback mechanism,” celebrating Anambra’s leadership in fostering technology-powered governance.

The digital momentum in Anambra does not stop there. The ICT Agency’s efforts are nested within the Soludo-led administration’s sweeping “Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere” agenda. This transformative policy framework, Agbata revealed in a recent Governance Unplugged podcast, is reshaping connectivity and service delivery across the state.

Among the most impactful reforms is the drastic reduction of Right of Way (RoW) charges—a move that accelerated broadband penetration and fiber optic rollout. As a result, areas like Onitsha Main Market and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University now benefit from public Wi-Fi access, supporting e-commerce and e-learning initiatives.

In the civil service sector, the results have been equally impressive. From fewer than 300 computers, the number of operational devices in government offices has surged to over 4,000. The introduction of E-ID cards and digital identity systems, all developed in collaboration with local institutions, has enabled a shift from analog to digital operations—reducing dependency on cyber cafés and increasing productivity within government institutions.

“The digital revolution is real,” Agbata declared. “We’re creating a robust ecosystem for public-private innovation, and Solution Lens is just one piece of the puzzle. Anambra is moving from policy to execution—and from execution to transformation.”

With the official launch of Solution Lens on the horizon, Anambra State is not just participating in the conversation about open governance—it is boldly leading it.