The Delta State Government’s recent innovation in the judiciary — introducing the online application, payment, and approval of affidavits — is a commendable stride toward administrative efficiency and public convenience. By digitizing a process that was once cumbersome and time-consuming, the government has set a shining example of what governance in the digital age should look like.
However, this reform should not stop at the judiciary. A similar transformation is urgently needed in the issuance of Local Government Certificates of Origin, one of the most vital documents for Deltans seeking employment, education, or identification across Nigeria and beyond.
Today, obtaining a certificate of origin in Delta State remains largely a manual and localized process. Applicants must physically appear at their local government offices — a requirement that poses serious challenges for Deltans living outside the state, and especially those in the diaspora. According to The Kwale Post’s opinion investigation, many citizens resort to sending money through third parties or paying for waybills just to have their certificates delivered. This outdated system not only wastes time and resources but also exposes applicants to the risk of fraud, extortion, and document loss.
A digital local government certification portal would eliminate these bottlenecks. Through a secure online platform, applicants could easily verify their identity, submit their applications, make payments, and download or receive electronically signed certificates — just as is now possible with the new e-affidavit system. Such a platform would also allow local governments to build an efficient database of indigenes, making record management, verification, and service delivery more transparent and effective.
The benefits of such a reform are immense:
Accessibility: Deltans anywhere in Nigeria or abroad could obtain their certificates without travelling home.
Transparency: Automation reduces the chances of manipulation and unauthorized issuance.
Revenue generation: Digital payment systems ensure that all fees are remitted directly to government accounts.
Data management: A centralized database helps the state plan better for its population and development needs.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s administration has shown a clear commitment to modernization through its MORE Agenda. Extending digital governance to local government certification would not only align with this vision but also improve the daily experiences of ordinary citizens.
If Delta can digitalize court affidavits, it can — and should — digitalize local government certificates. The future of governance is digital, and the sooner we embrace it across all sectors, the stronger and more efficient our institutions will become.
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