The contribution of ICTs to socio-economic development: Experience from Nigeria

Abstract

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) are widely believed to have a part to play in transforming the life conditions of citizens in all nations, yet experience against these objectives is mixed. Outcomes are especially poor in developing countries (DCs). Furthermore, experience in some DCs is markedly worse than others, suggesting a need to understand what is locally meaningful and achievable for any given development effort. We explore these ideas with the case of the National Identity Card Scheme in Nigeria. This popular initiative is intended to improve the life opportunities for citizens of Nigeria given the lack of a secure, reliable identity system in the country. Nevertheless, the project has a history of failed implementation efforts over a period of 33 years. We examine the case using ideas from Sen’s capability approach which sees development as an expansion of people’s freedoms to engage in activities they value. Sen himself admits that his framework is incomplete. Therefore this research makes a theoretical contribution by identifying particular dimensions of the framework that are applicable in this case and are potentially more widely relevant. Implications for practice are also discussed.