NITDA seeks adoption of e-government to enhance ease of doing business

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called for an adoption of the Nigerian e-government interoperability framework to enable government deliver service in an integrated manner also enhance the ease of doing business.

The framework seeks to ensure integration of all Information Technology projects in Ministries Departments and Agencies in the country.

Director General of NITDA, Isa Ali Pantami who disclosed this at a workshop in Abuja observed that IT projects in government agencies are presently not integrated, adding that because IT projects cannot be exhibited in silos, I think there is need to come up with a framework.

He said, “Many nations have their framework but Nigeria is yet to have one. It is better later than never. When I came on board, I realised that we need to immediately come up with a framework for integrating IT projects in ministries, departments and agencies. The wisdom behind organizing this event is to impact knowledge on stakeholders forum, when you want to make something successful particularly IT, that is very diverse and complex, you need to carry stakeholders along, listen to their observations, opinions, suggestions, take some constructive criticism. That is why we come together to get their input and also watch them implement the document after and at least updating it.”

On whether there would be penalty for any defaulting egency, Pantami said, “If you goo through NITDA’s act 2007, it is clearly stated that any standard, guideline or framework, breeching of that guideline or framework is an offence, an offence that can take one to prison for 103 years. So because of this you don’t need to say anything and it has been clearly stated in our act, that breeching our act, going against our guideline is an offence, but we need to let the stakeholders be aware of it, invite stakeholders, discuss with them, get their suggestion. I believe you can benefit from it and we don’t need to come up with any penalty because our heart is clear. As soon as we get the stakeholders response, it would be made available.”