Methodology
How we measure digital governance.
An evidence-based assessment of how Nigeria’s 36 state governments use digital platforms to inform, engage and serve citizens.
Pillars
Indicators
States
National framework
Understanding the NDGI
The Nigeria Digital Governance Index (NDGI) is an evidence-based assessment developed by Reformers of Africa to evaluate how effectively Nigeria’s 36 state governments use digital platforms to deliver public services, inform and engage citizens, and promote transparency and accountability.
The Index examines publicly accessible government websites, digital platforms, online services and information systems. It identifies strengths, highlights gaps and provides practical recommendations to support improvements in digital governance across the states.
NDGI is designed not only to measure performance but also to encourage learning, transparency and continuous improvement.
The NDGI assessment framework
The Index is structured around four pillars, each examining a distinct but interconnected dimension of digital governance. Each pillar contributes equally to the overall NDGI score. Select a pillar to see its indicators.
Assesses the availability, accessibility and organisation of official government digital platforms.
Official State Website
Availability and functionality of the official state government website.
Single State Portal
Access to key ministries and government institutions through the main state website.
Government Domain Coherence
Consistency and recognisability of official government web domains.
Social Media Presence
Presence of active official government accounts on X and Facebook.
Examines how governments use digital channels to communicate, share governance information and engage citizens.
Social Media Integration
Whether official social media accounts are linked to the state government website.
Posting Consistency and Frequency
Regularity of original governance-related posts on official social media.
Governance Content Quality
The extent to which social media content provides substantive governance information.
Sectoral Diversity
Breadth of government sectors represented in social media communication.
Assesses the availability and accessibility of online public services.
Online Tax Payment Portal
Availability of online tax payment services.
Education Service Online
Availability of online scholarship and bursary services.
Health Insurance Service Online
Availability of online health insurance enrolment services.
Land Administrative Service Online
Availability of online land administration services.
Examines public access to government information, policy documents and opportunities for citizen engagement.
Budget Published Online
Public availability of the approved annual state budget.
Government Projects and Programmes Updates
Availability of information on government projects and implementation progress.
Citizen Engagement and Responsiveness
Accessibility of digital feedback channels and responsiveness to citizen enquiries.
State Policy Framework Available Online
Public availability of the state’s current strategic policy framework or development plan.
Scoring and weighting
Each of the 16 indicators is assessed using a three-point scoring scale. Scores are based on observable and verifiable evidence against the established assessment criteria.
Absent
The required digital feature or service is absent or cannot be verified.
Partial
The feature or service exists but has gaps in functionality, accessibility or implementation.
Present
The required feature or service meets the established assessment criteria.
Weighting
Each of the four pillars contributes 25% to the overall NDGI score. Each pillar contains four indicators, with a maximum of eight raw points per pillar and 32 points across the Index.
NDGI calculation
NDGI Score = (Total Raw Score ÷ 32) × 100
For example, a state scoring 20 out of 32 receives an NDGI score of 62.5. Try it:
State maturity classification
The overall score places each state within one of three digital governance classifications: Foundation (0 to 39), Developing (40 to 74), or Advanced (75 to 100). These classifications apply only to overall NDGI scores, not individual pillars or indicators.
0-39
Foundation
Digital governance is at a foundational level, with substantial gaps in the assessed platforms, services and public information.
40-74
Developing
Digital governance is developing, with established capabilities alongside gaps in consistency, coverage or integration.
75-100
Advanced
Digital governance is advanced across the assessed measures, with strong platforms, services and public information.
The maturity classifications are not a measure of overall government performance. They describe the extent to which digital platforms, services and public information systems are established and used.
Evidence and verification
NDGI assessments are based on publicly accessible digital evidence. Analysts examine official state government websites, recognised government platforms, online services and official social media channels. Evidence used to support assessments may include:
Official website and platform URLs
Screenshots and screen recordings
Published government documents
Social media posts and activity records
Documented responses to standardised citizen enquiries
All findings are subject to review to promote consistency, accuracy and methodological compliance.
Assessment scope and limitations
What the Index measures
NDGI assesses publicly observable aspects of digital governance across Nigeria’s 36 states. It focuses on the availability, accessibility and use of digital platforms for public information, communication, service delivery and transparency.
What the Index does not measure
The Index does not assess the entirety of state government performance, the quality of every public service, or the experience of every citizen. It also does not directly measure the technical architecture of backend digital infrastructure.
Assessment caveat
Scores reflect the conditions observed and verified during the relevant assessment period. Subsequent changes may not be captured in that edition.
Download the methodology
For detailed assessment criteria, scoring rules, evidence requirements and analyst guidelines, refer to the full NDGI Methodology and Scoring Guide.
Go to downloadsNDGI is a measurement and accountability tool designed to help state governments identify practical opportunities to strengthen digital governance and improve how citizens access public information and services.