Enugu State has again taken the spotlight on Nigeria’s digital governance map, winning multiple national honours at the 2025 Presidential GovTech Awards for its groundbreaking strides in technology-driven public service delivery.
At the award ceremony held over the weekend at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the Enugu State Geographic Information Service (ENGIS) clinched two coveted recognitions, including the Award of Excellence in Geographic Information Service and the Distinguished GovTech Trailblazer’s Award, marking a major win for Governor Peter Mbah’s administration.
The annual event, organised by the Presidency through the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), celebrates outstanding achievements in innovation, efficiency, and the digital transformation of governance across Nigeria’s public sector.
Driving a Digital Revolution in Land Administration
Under the leadership of Mr. Chiwetalu Nwatu, its chief executive officer, ENGIS has redefined land administration in Enugu through the deployment of digital mapping, geospatial intelligence, and automated workflows.
Once burdened by bureaucratic bottlenecks and fraudulent practices, the agency has transformed land processing into a transparent, technology-driven system. Notably, the turnaround time for issuing land title documents has dropped from several months, or even years to just 72 hours.
“This recognition validates our commitment to excellence and ease of doing business in Enugu State,” said Nwatu, moments after receiving the awards. “It is a testament to the visionary leadership of Governor Peter Mbah and his relentless pursuit of a digital-first government.”
A Vision Anchored on Technology and Transparency
The reforms championed by ENGIS align with the Mbah administration’s broader goal of positioning Enugu as Nigeria’s innovation capital in governance. Through technology, the state has enhanced efficiency, reduced corruption, and created a friendlier environment for investors.
“The awards are not just about technology; they are about people, processes, and the political will to make governance work,” Nwatu said. “Governor Mbah’s administration continues to leverage digital infrastructure and security to drive transparency and service excellence.”
Recognition for Innovation and Impact
The Presidential GovTech Awards undergo a rigorous evaluation process, selecting only institutions and leaders who have demonstrated measurable impact through the application of digital tools in governance.
Enugu’s double win is thus more than symbolic, it reflects how subnational governments can harness innovation to achieve real change. The BPSR noted that ENGIS’s achievements stood out for “enhancing efficiency, promoting transparency, and strengthening public trust in government systems.”
Setting the Pace for a Smarter Nigeria
Beyond the accolades, Enugu’s digital success story points to a growing shift in Nigeria’s public sector: one that prizes data, innovation, and accountability.
With its latest achievements, the state not only cements its reputation as a model of digital governance but also signals a new era of technology-enabled service delivery that could inspire other states to follow suit.
