Abstract:

Security challenges permeate various segments of the Nigerian societal space which manifest in the form of kidnapping, human trafficking, broad day robbery, the proliferation of arms, smuggling of harmful substances across borderline, car theft among many others. Governments at all levels in their relentless effort have been striving to curb the menace of insecurity using several manual methods, however, the rate of insecurity keeps increasing at a geometric rate. Hence, the need for the adoption of electronic governance apparatus such as Automated Fingerprint Information System (AFIS), Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) etc., as new paradigm shifts to nib the preponderance of security challenges in the bud.  Even with the adoption of modern technological instruments to respond to the ever-changing and unpredictable security situations, little has been achieved in the deteriorating security situation of the Nigerian state. Thus, the study investigates the challenges inhibiting the use of e-governance in eradicating the security threats in Nigerian society. Using documentary evidence, the paper found that electronic governance stands a better chance to play a significant role in managing security challenges in Nigeria by protecting lives and properties. However, it is beclouded with several challenges such as inadequate ICT gadgets, epileptic power supply, sabotage, and a host of others. The study, therefore, concludes that the use of e-governance is a journey, and not a destination as far as managing security challenges is concerned in Nigeria, but should be embraced in the digital age to fight against insecurity given its success stories in other climes.