Transforming governance: The role of Eyemark and information technologies in citizen-led monitoring and evaluation of public projects in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper assesses citizens' potential participation in using information and communication technologies (ICT) to shape governance on project monitoring and evaluation in Nigeria. Despite budget allocations and contractor mobilisation, the country has a history of incomplete projects. The advent of information technology and increased internet usage, especially on social media platforms, has led to the development of the Eyemark as a digital application for E-governance. This aims to empower citizens to engage in public project monitoring evaluation and decision-making in implementing public projects. Using qualitative content analysis to investigate the Eyemark and Actor-Network Theory (ANT) concept, this paper examines information and communication technologies tools to drive Eyemark's potential and prospects as a vital vehicle for authentic project implementation. Findings suggested that with extensive ICT usage awareness campaigns and social media user engagement, Eyemark can positively influence project execution. The writer recommends, among others, designing a weekly "Eyemark Day" for citizen project reporting, analysis, and discussions to implement ongoing projects. The significance of the paper highlights the use of information and communication technology (ICT) as the purveyor and conveyor of Eyemark in citizen-led monitoring and evaluation. The paper is a new vista for scholars, students, and academics to conduct further studies on applying the Eyemark and citizen participation.