Pantami tasks NITDA to reinforce IT projects clearance in public sector

Pantami tasks NITDA to reinforce IT projects clearance in public sector

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami has tasked the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to reinforce clearance of Information Technology (IT) projects in the public sector.

Pantami made the call during the 20th anniversary lecture and unveiling of NITDA Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2021-2024) on Thursday in Abuja.

He said that increased surveillance on IT projects of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) would go a long way in saving costs for the government and checking corruption.

Pantami said: “We should focus more on IT project clearance. We need to increase surveillance on IT projects so as to fight corruption and reduce the cost of IT projects in the public service.’’

The Minister noted that while NITDA had so far saved N22.45 billion for the federal government, the agency was also focused on properly positioning Nigeria in the global digital space.

Speaking earlier, the Director-General of the agency, Kashifu Inuwa said the increasing level of creativity and innovation is a demonstration of the impactful realities of digital technologies on Nigeria’s economy.

“Now, we talk of resilience because NITDA sees digital technologies as a source of inspiration to reinvent and meet the digital age challenges in an increasingly dynamic and competitive world.

“Our impact is visible across the country, and this can be attested to by the outcomes. We have attracted more foreign investments into the digital economy sector than any developing country globally’’, added Kashifu.

Highpoint of the event was the unveiling of the NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap 2021-2024 based on seven pillars with their respective goals and objectives.
It comprises Developmental Regulation, Digital Literacy and Skills, Digital Transformation, Digital Innovation & Entrepreneurship, Cybersecurity, Emerging Technologies, and  Promotion of Indigenous.