THE IMPACT OF E-GOVERNANCE ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF IMOSTATE A STUDY OF MBATTOLI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF IMO STATE

ABSTRACT This study examines the impact of e-governance on socio-economic development in Mbaitoli Local government Ares of Imo State of Nigeria. The need for globalization gives room to the emergence of electronic governance initiative aimed at facilitating good governance and socio-economic development. Unfortunately, the problems towards which e-governance could achieve socio-economic development are marred by power failure, corruption and lack of sufficient trained personnel, internet crimes and criminalities and the hijack of programme activities. In the furtherance of the study, the researcher raised three research questions and objectives each. The study is observed to be significant to the researchers, Scholars, policy makers and implementation personnel, other members of public and private due to its additional ideas, creativity and exposition of relevant corrective measures to cushion negative effect of e-governance and its targets of ensuring economic development. The population of 237,555 according to 2006 National Bureau of statistics and sample size of 399 calculated with Taro Yamane formula were used. Technological communication determinism theory by Meluhan and system theory were used. Both primary and secondary data collections were used. The data were analyzed with the used of simple percentage and statistical tables. The study found out that e-governance promotes good governance by providing e-record keeping and fast track information dissemination: it promotes fiscal policies and revenue allocation of the state. It provides room for computerization and documentation of information and services. It enhances online programme for public sector, students and business people and promote transparency and accountability in socio-economic development, it enhances e-commerce, e-learning and the provision of infrastructural facilities, international relations and the security. The recommendations provided include: Government to provide more e-governance infrastructures that could enhance steady power supply and enables effective and efficient use of electronic devices to realize good governance, training of personnel that will enhance e-governance duties, provision of security apparatuses to cushion any insecurity that could come out from the use of electronic appliances. Key words: E-governance, good governance, Development, socio-economic development, Imo state.