Elochukwu Benjamin
Awka
Anambra State is leveraging artificial intelligence to improve access to government services with the introduction of SmartGov, an AI-powered digital platform designed to provide residents with instant information on public services through simple conversations.
Developed by the Anambra State ICT Agency, the platform enables users to ask questions in everyday language and receive immediate responses on a wide range of government services, eliminating the need to navigate multiple websites or visit different government offices for basic information.
According to the ICT Agency, SmartGov is aimed at making interactions between citizens and government faster, simpler and more accessible. Residents can use the platform to obtain guidance on issues such as tax payments, business registration, obtaining Certificates of Occupancy, healthcare information and other government services.
Unlike conventional government portals that require users to know which ministry or agency is responsible for a particular service, SmartGov uses artificial intelligence to understand natural language, allowing users to make enquiries as they would in a normal conversation.
The agency described the initiative as part of Anambra State’s broader digital transformation agenda, noting that the platform is designed to enhance public service delivery by providing instant access to information, reducing uncertainty and improving citizens’ overall experience when engaging with government institutions.
Officials said the platform is not intended to replace human interaction but to complement existing government services by making information more readily available and helping users locate the appropriate services more efficiently.
The ICT Agency noted that the initiative reflects the state’s commitment to deploying emerging technologies to build a more responsive, accessible and citizen-centred government.
It added that as digital governance continues to evolve, platforms such as SmartGov demonstrate how artificial intelligence can simplify everyday interactions between governments and citizens, improve accessibility to public services and strengthen public trust.
The agency expressed optimism that the platform would help make government easier for Ndi Anambra to understand, access and engage with while promoting greater efficiency in service delivery.
