In a bold and visionary move toward modern governance, the Benue State Government has officially launched the Paperless Executive Council (EXCO) System, becoming one of the first subnational governments in Nigeria to fully digitize its cabinet proceedings. The milestone reflects a sweeping commitment to e-governance, transparency, and technological innovation under the leadership of His Excellency, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia, Executive Governor of Benue State.
The historic initiative aligns with the Benue State Digital Economy Framework and E-Governance Agenda, which aims to transform the state into a digital-first public administration hub. Through the rollout of the Paperless EXCO System, the state is ushering in a new era of smart governance — one that emphasizes efficiency, environmental sustainability, and global best practices.
The official unveiling of the Paperless EXCO System took place at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House, Makurdi. It was accompanied by a comprehensive training session organized by the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) for all council members. The session provided hands-on exposure to the new platforms, ensuring that every participant, including the Governor himself, is equipped to operate within the digitized environment.
At the core of the system are two innovative, homegrown solutions developed and deployed by BDIC:
• A virtual meeting platform tailored for secure, high-level governance engagements.
• A secured and integrated Executive Council Memorandum Management and Processing Platform, designed to streamline the end-to-end lifecycle of government memos — from creation to approval — without a single sheet of paper.
Each member of the Executive Council has been equipped with a 10th-generation iPad, featuring both WiFi and cellular capabilities. The devices come preloaded with the newly introduced digital tools and are supported by unlimited internet access to facilitate seamless participation in meetings, remote memo contributions, and real-time decision reviews. Whether stationed in Makurdi, traveling through Abuja, or attending international engagements in Dubai or Washington D.C., EXCO members can now access official proceedings without delay or disruption.
The launch of the Paperless EXCO System is the latest in a series of sweeping reforms championed by Governor Alia to reposition Benue as a forward-thinking, innovation-driven state. From the successful deployment of e-land registry solutions to advancements in telemedicine and digital health infrastructure, the Alia-led administration is crafting a robust digital backbone for the state.
Speaking on the initiative, a senior official from the Governor’s office remarked, “This is not just a tech upgrade — it is a philosophical shift in how we govern, how we serve the people, and how we preserve resources for future generations.”
The governor’s digital vision mirrors leading global examples:
• Dubai, whose Smart Paperless Government project has saved over $350 million and 14 million work hours annually by replacing paper-based administration.
• Estonia, where cabinet ministers routinely participate in government meetings via secure online portals, setting the global benchmark for digital governance.
• Rwanda, where the Irembo platform has revolutionized public service delivery and brought bureaucratic efficiency to new heights.
Key Benefits of the Paperless EXCO System
The Benue Paperless Executive Council initiative brings numerous benefits to governance processes:
• Transparency: All memos, deliberations, and decisions are accessible in real time, eliminating bottlenecks and ensuring accountability.
• Efficiency: Documents can be submitted, reviewed, approved, and archived within minutes, slashing turnaround times drastically.
• Cost Savings: By removing the need for printing, courier services, and physical file handling, the state will save millions annually.
• Accessibility: EXCO members now enjoy unrestricted access to official documents, regardless of their location, with complete data security.
• Environmental Sustainability: By drastically reducing paper consumption, the system contributes to a greener and more eco-conscious public administration.
The success of this transformation is being driven by the Benue Digital Infrastructure Company (BDIC) — a state-owned agency tasked with the implementation of the state’s digital vision. BDIC’s work has made Benue a case study in how technology can enhance state-level governance, service delivery, and inter-agency collaboration.
A BDIC representative noted during the training session, “This is only the beginning. We are laying the foundation for a digital ecosystem that will transform how government, citizens, and businesses interact in Benue.”
With the Paperless EXCO System now operational, Benue State has taken a significant leap toward becoming a truly digital government. The move is being hailed by analysts and civic groups as a landmark achievement — one that sets the standard for other states in Nigeria and across Africa.
This development is not merely about technology; it is about leadership, foresight, and the courage to embrace change. Under Governor Hyacinth Alia, Benue is not just catching up with the future — it is actively shaping it.
As the governor famously said during an earlier reform unveiling, “Good governance in the 21st century must be smart, sustainable, and service-oriented. We are proud to lead that change in Benue.”
Indeed, Benue has gone digital — and the future is now.
