PERCEPTIONS OF E-GOVERNANCE AS A TOOL FOR ENHANCING ADMINISTRATIVE EFFICIENCY: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM STAKEHOLDERS IN SOKOTO STATE

This study examined how stakeholders in Sokoto State perceive e-governance as a means of improving administrative efficiency. Much of the literature on this subject focuses on global experiences or abstract theories, leaving limited understanding of the practical realities in developing countries. This research addressed that gap by looking closely at how civil servants in Sokoto State experience the use of digital tools in government and how political support and resource constraints influence the process. The aim of the study was to assess the extent of digital integration in public administration. More importantly, the study seeks to identify the benefits of e-governance in terms of saving time and reducing costs and explore the barriers that affect adoption. A phenomenological approach was used to capture participants’ lived experiences. Fourteen (14) civil servants were purposively selected from seven ministries in Sokoto State. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using Colaizzi’s method, which helped to illustrate the meanings participants attach to their experiences. The findings show that e-governance has improved service delivery, record keeping and efficiency, with some ministries reporting noticeable gains in speed and cost savings. At the same time, challenges such as weak infrastructure, limited digital skills and resistance to change have slowed progress. Ministries with stronger leadership and clearer political backing were found to be better placed to overcome these obstacles. The study concludes that e-governance has begun to reshape administration in Sokoto State but its success depends on sustained investment, continuous staff training, firm political commitment, citizen engagement and stronger collaboration with experts and universities.