The Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Mr. Dasuki Arabi, says the proper application of emerging technologies will help to increase operational efficiency and reduce the cost of governance.
Arabi made the observation in a paper he presented at a workshop on the blockchain technology ecosystem, on Thursday in Abuja.
The paper is titled: “Public sector requirement for efficiency in service delivery with respect to emerging technology (blockchain).”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop was organized by the BPSR in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy and the Nigeria Communications Commission.
He said that blockchain technology “is already having a positive impact around the world and its proper application in Nigeria will fast track ongoing reform of the public service.’’
Arabi described emerging technologies as science-based innovations with the potential to create a new industry or transform existing ones.
According to him, its significance in the public sector will only increase in the coming years in the areas of quality service delivery in the public service.
The director-general said that the application of technology will strengthen public institutions, as they incorporate new thinking about how government delivers services to citizens.
“With a new strategy, better outcomes and efficiency will be delivered through innovation and excellence in ICT,” he said.
He listed the advantages of blockchain technology to include effective record keeping, financial transparency, and securing data access.
“Blockchain is a system of recording information in a way that makes it different or impossible to change, hack or cheat the system,” Arabi said.
Arabi also said it ensures data security, reduces cost and waiting time, enhances accountability and trust, and promotes public-private partnerships.