The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, has said ongoing reforms in Information Technology (IT) procurement will strengthen local innovation, improve confidence in Nigerian-developed software and advance the country’s digital sovereignty.

Inuwa made this known at the 66th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he spoke at a plenary session themed, “Nigeria First, Procurement Last: How E-commerce is Rewriting Contracts.”

He said the reforms were designed to support the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its objectives of reforming the economy, improving governance and accelerating diversification through industrialisation and digitisation.

According to him, the measures would also strengthen public procurement under the Nigeria First policy and ensure that government investments in technology deliver measurable value while contributing to the growth of the digital economy.

Inuwa disclosed that between July 2023 and July 2026, NITDA received proposals for 1,092 IT projects from 326 Ministries, Departments and Agencies, out of more than 1,300 MDAs in the country.

He said the proposed projects were valued at over ₦4.24 trillion, while 1,056 projects worth ₦3.84 trillion had been cleared by the agency.

The NITDA boss identified three major reforms being implemented to address challenges associated with IT project planning, software adoption and digital infrastructure.

He said the first was the strengthening of the IT Project Clearance Framework, which would require MDAs to have a proper solution design before making budgetary provisions for IT projects.

“Companies providing solution design, implementation and quality assurance services will be certified, with safeguards to ensure that the three functions are not performed by the same organisation on a single project,” he said.

Drawing an analogy with the construction industry, Inuwa explained that IT projects, like buildings, should be properly designed before implementation.

He said the approach would promote standardisation, strengthen accountability and ensure better value for money in government technology investments.

The second reform, according to him, is the Software Assurance Framework, being developed to increase confidence in locally developed software and reduce dependence on off-the-shelf foreign solutions.

Inuwa noted that Nigerian organisations often spend substantial resources customising software developed for foreign markets to suit local needs, only to incur additional costs when vendors introduce new versions.

He said Nigerian businesses and public institutions had unique operational requirements, making it necessary to develop and adopt solutions that respond to local realities.

To address the challenge, he said NITDA was promoting solution design, software testing, standards and assurance, including the licensing of software testing companies to assess locally developed solutions.

The third reform is tied to NITDA’s National Sovereign Cloud Initiative, which seeks to strengthen Nigeria’s digital sovereignty and build national capacity for digital self-determination.

“When we talk about digital sovereignty, it’s about us as a nation to build the capability for digital self-determination,” Inuwa said.

He explained that the initiative would strengthen Nigeria’s digital public infrastructure and create opportunities for locally developed innovations to be built, hosted and scaled within the country.

He added that the framework provides for certification across key segments of the cloud ecosystem, including infrastructure providers and data centres, cloud service providers, system integrators and cloud aggregators, while establishing requirements for sensitive and critical data.

Beyond technology procurement, the NITDA DG urged stakeholders to regard public procurement as a strategic instrument for building national capabilities, shaping markets and creating opportunities for Nigerian innovators.

“We look at public procurement not just as a way of government spending money, but as a powerful instrument government has for shaping markets, for building our national capabilities, as well as for creating opportunities for our innovators,” he said.

Inuwa cited the growth of Nigeria’s fintech ecosystem as an example of how deliberate government policies and market opportunities could stimulate innovation, urging stakeholders to explore similar opportunities in healthcare, education, agriculture and other critical sectors.

He also advised public institutions to rethink how they specify IT requirements, urging them to focus less on prescribing specific technologies and more on defining the problems they want to solve, the programmes they intend to implement and the outcomes they expect to achieve.

The NITDA DG further highlighted the role of lawyers in ensuring that technology contracts adequately address issues including data ownership, data processing and storage, data portability, intellectual property, cybersecurity and contractual responsibilities.

He said greater clarity in technology contracts would strengthen the protection of public institutions and boost confidence in government technology investments.

Inuwa maintained that the reforms, when effectively implemented, would help transform public procurement from a routine government expenditure process into a strategic tool for promoting local innovation, building digital capacity and securing Nigeria’s long-term digital sovereignty.

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By Abbas Badmus,

Breaking into the world of information technology (IT) can seem intimidating—especially for those without a formal technical background. Yet, industry veterans say the door is wide open for determined newcomers who are willing to invest time, energy, and a realistic mindset into the journey.

Across continents, seasoned professionals have shared their best advice for aspiring tech entrants, offering a blend of practical guidance, cautionary notes, and insight into where the industry is heading.

Start with What You Already Have

Olga Pogozheva, founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mellivora Software, believes the journey begins with an honest self-assessment.

“You have to be realistic: what skills do you already have?” she asked. “Are you a good writer? You can become a tech writer. Are you more on the tech side? The fastest way would be to become a QA specialist. Want to get deeper into coding? Great—that will take a bit longer but is totally worth it.”

Pogozheva warns against the illusion of quick wins, particularly for those starting from scratch. “If you have zero background, struggle with logic or maths, or your English is basic, don’t think completing one online course means you’re ready for the profession. Without a foundation, you can’t just jump in and start making millions,” she cautioned.

Her advice is simple but firm: avoid shortcuts. “Put in the effort, build your foundation, and success in IT is very much achievable.”

Education is Key—But Not Always Formal

While university degrees remain valuable, Pogozheva champions self-taught routes for those facing financial, time, or age constraints. She recommends starting with free online courses from top universities, subscribing to educational YouTube channels, enrolling in structured paid programmes, or attending offline bootcamps.

“The important thing is to choose a specific direction and pursue it with consistency,” she advised.

Formal certifications, she noted, are not always essential at the entry level but become increasingly important as careers advance. “Later, certifications from organisations like Cisco, CompTIA, or Microsoft can serve as proof of expertise and boost credibility.”

Beyond the Paycheck

Corporate trainer and Quora contributor Rohit Bajpai urged aspiring IT professionals to look beyond salaries when evaluating opportunities.

“Salary is important, but you should also look for jobs that offer long-term career growth, personal satisfaction, and respect,” he said. He pointed out that the IT sector expanded by eight per cent in the past year alone, generating $167 million in total income—proof of its promise.

Data analysts, machine learning specialists, and cybersecurity experts currently rank among the highest-paid roles, Bajpai added.

The Next Frontier: AI, Big Data, and Cloud

For Chuck Moeller, the future of IT is already unfolding in machine learning and artificial intelligence.

“Anyone who can design and optimise algorithms for AI and deep learning will be in high demand,” he said, noting that the acquisition price for a machine intelligence expert is now five times higher than that of a standard developer.

He cited Google’s purchase of DeepMind as a prime example of AI’s rising value but stressed that opportunities remain strong for data scientists and engineers with expertise in cloud infrastructure and data modelling.

“Big data, mobility, and AI will continue to define the most valuable IT roles over the next decade,” Moeller predicted.

Opportunities Beyond Coding

Not every IT role requires programming skills. Tech recruiter and account manager Ellie Rice highlighted the continued demand for computer hardware engineers and systems analysts.

“Hardware engineers must blend creativity and logic to ensure systems are reliable and high-performing,” she said. According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, their median annual income was $115,120 in 2017, with steady growth projected.

Systems analysts, meanwhile, bridge the gap between business needs and technology solutions. “They assess processes, recommend tools, and keep organisations competitive. Strong communication, analytical thinking, and trend awareness are vital,” Rice explained.

Lessons from the Past—and a Glimpse Ahead

Former Flarow founder Anamik Adhikary traced the shifting waves of tech demand:

“In the 1990s and early 2000s, web developers were in demand. Then came mobile app developers with the rise of the iPhone. More recently, it’s been all about big data and cloud computing. Now we’re seeing massive interest in AI.”

He predicts the next wave may include augmented reality, virtual reality, blockchain, and quantum computing. “The spotlight changes every few years, but as long as software exists, IT professionals will remain in demand.”

Play to Your Strengths

Data warehousing consultant Jay Watt advises newcomers to resist the temptation of chasing trends.

“It’s tempting to run after whatever’s hot, but you’re better off mastering your natural strengths,” he said. “The most successful professionals aren’t necessarily in the hottest field—they’re the ones who excel in their chosen niche.”

While modern programming languages and big data analytics are in high demand, Watt stressed that real-world application of skills is what truly sets professionals apart.

A Marathon, Not a Sprint

The consensus among these experts is clear: breaking into IT isn’t about overnight success or a single course completion. It’s about identifying your strengths, committing to continuous learning, gaining real-world experience, and staying curious in an ever-changing landscape.

With the right mindset and effort, the intimidating walls of the tech world can become gateways to a thriving and fulfilling career.

The post From Beginner to Tech Pro: Industry Experts Share Roadmap for Breaking into IT appeared first on Tech Digest News.

The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has announced the shortlist for the prestigious National Information Technology Merit Awards (NITMA), featuring Olusegun Olugbile, President of the Global Network for Cybersolution, as a Finalist in the Cybersecurity Advocate category.

Olugbile, a distinguished IT practitioner and digital policy advisor, has been recognized for his extensive contributions to cybersecurity, data protection, and emerging technologies over more than two decades.

The NITMA is an annual event organized by the Nigeria Computer Society to acknowledge and celebrate exemplary individuals and organizations in the Information Technology (IT) industry. The awards aim to honor those who have significantly advanced the IT profession in Nigeria.

As the Founder and President of the Global Network for Cybersolution, Olugbile has led innovative initiatives to enhance cybersecurity awareness and capacity building. Among his notable achievements are organizing the inaugural National and International Conference on Cybersecurity and Cybercrime, as well as the National Cybersecurity Forum, both of which have been crucial in advancing Nigeria’s discourse on cybersecurity.

Olugbile has also played a vital role in shaping Nigeria’s National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (NCPS) across three different administrations. His efforts have contributed to the establishment of essential cybersecurity legislation and institutional frameworks, including the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center and the Computer Emergency Response Teams (CERT).

Furthermore, he initiated the Nigeria Child Online Protection (NCOP) initiative and established the Nigeria Police Cybercrime Emergency Readiness Team (NIPOCERT). His leadership was instrumental in formulating the Nigeria Data Protection Commission’s Strategic Action Plan for 2023.

Olugbile’s expertise and unwavering commitment to cybersecurity have earned him numerous accolades and esteemed positions, including being a founding member of the National Cybercrime Advisory Council, serving on the Advisory Board of the Global Skills Development Council (USA) for cybersecurity, and receiving recognition as an Honorary Ambassador for Internet Governance from the United Nations in 2014. He has also served as a Multi-stakeholder Advisor to the UN Secretary-General on cybersecurity issues, among other honors.

The NITMA awards not only celebrate excellence and innovation within the IT industry but also inspire individuals to contribute to the technological advancement of Nigeria.

Previous NITMA award recipients include distinguished figures such as Leo Stan Ekeh, Founder of Zinox Technologies, and Funke Opeke, Founder of MainOne.

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TECH DIGEST–  Redington and critical digital infrastructure provider Vertiv announced a strategic distribution partnership today. This collaboration aims to empower channel partners across Africa with Vertiv’s solutions and expand Vertiv’s reach in the region.

Redington, a leading technology aggregator with expertise in data centre transformation and AI brings a strong network across Africa. Vertiv, a global provider with over 50 years of experience, offers industry-leading power, cooling, and critical infrastructure services. This partnership leverages the strengths of both companies.

The partnership encompasses Vertiv’s entire Integrated Solutions portfolio and IT channel product stack. This allows Redington to offer a complete suite of Vertiv’s solutions to partners and end users across Africa.

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TECH DIGEST– In a recent industrial specialization report released by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), Nigeria’s Information Technology (IT) and information services industry emerged as a global powerhouse, standing 27 per cent above the international average in proportion to its economy. The report, which assessed 40 nations, positioned Nigeria at an impressive 8th place. However, beneath this remarkable achievement lies a nuanced narrative of both success and decline.

The ITIF’s Hamilton Index, a comprehensive metric tracking industrial strength, revealed that Nigeria’s IT and information services sector has experienced a significant downturn since 2010. Once boasting a position more than twice as robust as the global average, it has since seen a gradual erosion of its strength on the global stage. This raises critical questions about the sustainability of its current position and the factors contributing to this decline.

ITIF President Robert D. Atkinson, who spearheaded the study, emphasized the evolving landscape of global economic and national security, asserting that a nation’s prowess in a select group of advanced industries is pivotal.

While Nigeria’s IT and information services sector remains a beacon of strength, constituting a growing share of the nation’s economy, its global output has diminished over time. Moreover, the broader spectrum of advanced industries in Nigeria, ranging from computers and electronics to machine equipment, lags significantly behind the international average. In 2020, these industries collectively registered a staggering 71 per cent weaker performance compared to the global benchmark.

The post Nigeria’s IT Dominance and Challenges appeared first on Tech Digest News.

TECHDIGEST – For the fifth consecutive month, the International Data Corporation has lowered its 2023 forecast for worldwide IT spending as technology investments continue to show the impact of a weakening economy.

In its new monthly forecast for worldwide IT spending growth, IDC projects overall growth this year in constant currency of 4.4 per cent to $3.25tn.

This is slightly down from 4.5 per cent in the previous month’s forecast and represents a swing from a 6.0 per cent growth forecast in October 2022.

In a post on its website, the Vice President of IDC’s Data & Analytics research group, Stephen Minton, said, “Since the fourth quarter of last year, we have seen clear and measurable signs of a moderate pullback in some areas of IT spending.

“Tech spending remains resilient compared to historical economic downturns and other types of business spending, but rising interest rates are now impacting capital spending.”

After reductions to PC forecasts a month ago, IDC has now scaled back its expectations for some additional hardware categories including servers, wearable devices, and peripherals. Forecasts have been reduced for on-premise infrastructure investments by enterprise buyers, while cloud and service provider deployments remain more resilient overall.

Service provider spending is still weakening from last year’s highs as the industry adjusts to slower post-COVID growth, but planned investments by cloud and hyperscale providers have broadly held up since last month. Strong demand for cloud services continues to drive growth despite inflationary pressures but non-cloud spending is set to decline.

READ ALSO: NADIR Appoints PRNigeria’s Head of Fact-Check, Dahiru Lawal as Executive Secretary

“The most significant impact remains concentrated in consumer markets with consumer IT spending now forecast to decline by two per cent this year,” said Minton. “This will be a second consecutive year of declining consumer tech spending, a huge change in fortunes from consumer growth of 18 per cent in 2021. On the other hand, enterprise demand for cloud and digital transformation remains strong despite economic headwinds.”

For the first time, this month’s Worldwide Black Book forecast includes channel splits in the March 2023 update. This shows that while direct IT spending is expected to grow by 6.4 per cent overall in 2023, indirect spending through channel providers will increase by just 2.5 per cent as credit tightening affects smaller businesses and consumers in their ability to fund technology investments.

“Resellers that still derive much of their revenue from on-premise infrastructure and PCs are facing difficult market conditions this year,” said Minton.

“Meanwhile, cloud infrastructure, software, and services are growing more slowly than a year ago but continue to account for a larger share of total IT spending and are reinforcing the general sense of resilience which the industry still enjoys.”

Punchng.com

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TECHDIGEST – They are moving in large numbers outside the country. We are experiencing a pull of people out of the industry to outside the country and these are the younger ones that we are supposed to hand over to after a period. So succession planning is hindered, productivity is lowered because these guys are the next generation of people. That is also slowing down activity.”

That was the president of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Ken Opara, some weeks ago at an event.

Indeed, the impact of mass resignations of key Information Technology (IT) talents in Nigeria is beginning to tell on many commercial banks, as unresolved technical problems have started affecting service delivery.

READ ALSO: Meet Katsina-Based “Creative Meastro” Tackling Nigeria’s Unemployment, Social Crisis With Digital Solutions

Just recently, a lot of bank customers took to social media to express their frustration, and wondering what is wrong with Nigerian banks.

“Something looks fishy; technical problems; unwarranted charges everywhere. This shows a lot of incompetencies, loop holes, truth and trust in the system,” one of them @jerryonyema tweeted.

Another user, Abdulkahi Turawa said “I’ve been wondering why some banks/fintech apps don’t do transactions with some other banks/fintech apps. Is it a technical problem or usual Nigerian ‘schadenfreude’?”

According to yet another Twitter user with the handle, @_Whogos nothing is wrong rather, all banks in Nigeria lost their key IT staff to ‘japa’ (Canada, UK and other developed countries).

“Nigerians are joking with the aftermath of japa. A top Nigerian bank Is having technical issues for over 30 hours no team to fix it. Most of their tech guys have ‘japa.’

“Not only key staff. I was a relationship manager as at March this year in one of the banks in Nigeria. Currently I’m a credit analyst in the second biggest bank In Canada. My branch manager in Nigeria just arrived Canada three days ago. 12 Aug.”

Specifically, findings reveal that the trend has worsened in August and September due to mass resignations as foreign schools resume academic activities in September 2022 and many of them are traveling with student visa.

Nigeria is currently ravaged by a number of socio-economic issues, some of which include insecurity, high cost of goods and services, and unemployment amongst others.

As Nigeria’s tech ecosystem grows, and banks going more digital, its talent shortage especially software engineers is becoming more obvious, such that talent is now being sought from outside Africa to build products used in the country.

This stakeholders believe is a disincentive to the cashless banking initiative, and obstructing seamless operation of electronic and mobile banking systems where every banking transaction is expected to be digitized.

This worry was also expressed by Abubakar Suleiman, chief executive officer of Sterling Bank Plc on April 15, 2022 at the end of a meeting of bank CEOs.

The post Mass Resignation Of Key IT Staff Hit Banks, Face Technical Problems appeared first on Tech Digest News.

TECHDIGEST – In addition to its primary function, which is to develop and regulate Information Technology (IT) in Nigeria, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Act, signed into law in 2007 according to Section 6 also mandates the Agency to serve as a clearing house for all IT procurement and services in the public sector.

Giving credence to the enactment of the Act, the Federal Government had on the 18th of April 2006, issued a Circular with number SGF/6/S.19/T/65, directing all Federal Public Institutions (FPIs) that are planning to embark on any IT project to obtain clearance from NITDA.

READ ALSO : NITDA Clears 258 ICT Projects, Saves N24bn for Govt in 2021- Prof Pantami

By way of reinforcing the Clearing House mandate of NITDA, the Federal Government again on 31st August, 2018, issued another Circular with number 59736/S.2/C.II/125, reiterating the need for all FPIS and other Government establishments to relate with and obtain prior approval from NITDA for the implementation of their IT Projects.

The executive directives signaled a remarkable milestone for the Agency as it turned around the prospects of the Nation’s investments in IT positively and shone the torch on duplicated projects that hitherto remained vague as well as guaranteed the creation and sustainability of indigenous capacity for after-sales-services.

Over the years, significant and unprecedented milestones have been achieved by the IT Projects Clearance (ITPC) Committee under the supervision of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy with Prof. Isa Ali Pantami championing the course.

From the Memo presented by the Minister during Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council Meeting, Prof. Pantami recounted the achievements of the Committee in 2021 which included a total of 282 new IT applications for clearance, out of which 258 projects were successfully cleared and a total cumulative savings of ₦24,403,266,842.86, estimated at 343.2% increase in amount saved for the Federal Government compared to 2020 and an unprecedented 89.7% increase in the number of cleared projects compared to what was achieved in 2020 where 136 IT Projects were cleared.

Moreso, there was also a significant increase in the use of the IT Clearance Portal in the year 2021; with a total of 248 new users from 52 Federal Public Institutions (FPIs) registered on the portal.

Meanwhile, cheering news emerged from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on March 9, 2022 as approval was given for the Implementation of Strategies for the Enhancement of the Quality of Government Digital Technology Projects and Services.

According to the Minister, the approval will enable the implementation of strategies for the enforcement of the IT Project Clearance by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in accordance with the NITDA Act (2007).

“IT Projects are the backbone for effective e-Government development, their implementation facilitate transparency, efficiency, productivity, participation, inclusiveness, cost savings, and competitive advantage. These factors ultimately translate into social and economic development for any country. Therefore, in our drive towards the Digital Economy, effective implementation of these Projects is therefore no longer a choice but a must”.

To build on the successes achieved in 2021, the Agency, through the IT Projects Clearance (ITPC) Committee plans to achieve at least 10% increase in compliance by Federal Public Institutions (FPIs) through awareness and strengthening of the ITPC process.

Apart from looking forward to improving the functionality of the ITPC portal in order to increase transparency, accountability, and ease of submission of projects, the Agency is determined to collaborate with more relevant FPIS in strengthening compliance.

With the Council’s backing and approvals of key prayers captured in the Memo; NITDA under the supervision of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy has taken its quest of going the extra mile in achieving it’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP- 2021-2024) in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria a notch higher.

Read more : Tech economy.ng

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TECHDIGEST – The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has cleared 258 ICT projects and saved over N24bn for the federal.government in 2021.

The Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Professor Ali Pantami made the disclosure in a memo to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.

Over the years, significant and unprecedented milestones have been achieved by the I.T. Projects Clearance (ITPC) Committee under the supervision of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

In the Memo Prof. Pantami recounted the achievements of the Committee in 2021 which included a  total of 282 new I.T. applications for clearance, out of which 258 projects were successfully cleared and a total cumulative savings of ₦24,403,266,842.86, estimated at 343.2% increase in amount saved for the Federal Government compared to 2020 and an unprecedented 89.7% increase in the number of cleared projects compared to what was achieved in 2020 where 136 I.T. Projects were cleared.

Moreso, there was also a significant increase in the use of the I.T. Clearance Portal in the year 2021; with a total of 248 new users from 52 Federal Public Institutions (FPIs) registered on the portal.

At the FEC meeting an approval was also given for  the Implementation of Strategies for the Enhancement of the Quality of Government Digital Technology Projects and Services.

According to the Minister, the approval will enable the implementation of strategies for the enforcement of the Information Technology (I.T.) Project Clearance by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in accordance with the NITDA Act (2007).

In addition to its primary function, which is to develop and regulate Information Technology (IT) in Nigeria, NITDA Act, signed into law in 2007 according to Section 6 also mandates the Agency to serve as a clearing house for all I.T. procurement and services in the public sector.

Giving credence to the enactment of the Act, the Federal Government had on the 18th of April 2006, issued a Circular with number SGF/6/S.19/T/65, directing all Federal Public Institutions (FPIs) that are planning to embark on any I.T. project to obtain clearance from NITDA.

By way of reinforcing the Clearing House mandate of NITDA, the Federal Government again on 31st August, 2018, issued another Circular with number 59736/S.2/C.II/125, reiterating the need for all FPIS and other Government establishments to relate with and obtain prior approval from NITDA for the implementation of their I.T. Projects.

The executive directives signaled a remarkable milestone for the Agency as it turned around the prospects of the Nation’s investments in I.T. positively and shone the torch on duplicated projects that hitherto remained vague as well as guaranteed the creation and sustainability of indigenous capacity for after-sales-services.

Over the years, significant and unprecedented milestones have been achieved by the I.T. Projects Clearance (ITPC) Committee under the supervision of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy with Prof. Isa Ali Pantami championing the course.

From the Memo presented by the Minister during Wednesday’s Federal Executive Council Meeting, Prof. Pantami recounted the achievements of the Committee in 2021 which included a  total of 282 new I.T. applications for clearance, out of which 258 projects were successfully cleared and a total cumulative savings of ₦24,403,266,842.86, estimated at 343.2% increase in amount saved for the Federal Government compared to 2020 and an unprecedented 89.7% increase in the number of cleared projects compared to what was achieved in 2020 where 136 I.T. Projects were cleared.

Moreso, there was also a significant increase in the use of the I.T. Clearance Portal in the year 2021; with a total of 248 new users from 52 Federal Public Institutions (FPIs) registered on the portal.

Meanwhile, another cheering news emerged from the Federal Executive Council  (FEC) meeting on March 9, 2022 as approval was given for  the Implementation of Strategies for the Enhancement of the Quality of Government Digital Technology Projects and Services.

According to the Minister, the approval will enable the implementation of strategies for the enforcement of the Information Technology (I.T.) Project Clearance by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in accordance with the NITDA Act (2007).

“ITProjects are the backbone for effective e-Government development, their implementation facilitate transparency, efficiency, productivity, participation, inclusiveness, cost savings, and competitive advantage. These factors ultimately translate into social and economic development for any country. Therefore, in our drive towards the Digital Economy, effective implementation of these Projects is therefore no longer a choice but a must”.

To build on the successes achieved in 2021, the Agency, through the I.T. Projects Clearance (ITPC) Committee plans to achieve at least 10% increase in compliance by Federal Public Institutions (FPIs) through awareness and strengthening of the ITPC process.

Apart from looking forward to improving the functionality of the ITPC portal in order to increase transparency, accountability, and ease of submission of projects, the Agency is determined to  collaborate with more relevant FPIS in strengthening compliance.

With the Council’s backing and approvals of key prayers captured in the Memo; NITDA under the supervision of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy has taken its quest of going the extra mile in achieving it’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP- 2021-2024) in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria a notch higher.

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TECHDIGEST – The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the Implementation of Strategies for the Enhancement of the Quality of Government Digital Technology Projects and Services during its meeting on the 9th of March, 2022.

This followed the presentation of a memo by Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.

A statement signed by Dr Femi Adeluyi, Technical Assistant (Research & Development) to the Minister, shows the approval will enable the implementation of strategies for the enforcement of the IT Project Clearance by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in accordance with the NITDA Act (2007), and under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

ALSO READ : Buhari Endorses Nigerian Start-Up Bill for NASS – Prof Pantami

The implementation of the IT Project Clearance process is in alignment with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria, as well as the Nigeria Government Interoperability Framework and Nigeria Government Enterprise Architecture, among others. Furthermore, it provides many benefits for the country, including the following:

• IT projects are not unduly duplicated;
  the technology being implemented is up to date;
• ensuring that there is an indigenous capacity for after-sales-service to sustain the project beyond its initial deployment;
• supporting the integration of IT systems and services by Federal Public Institutions to save cost, reduce corruption, promote shared services, enable interoperability and improve efficiency;
• ensuring that the technology and services procured are suitable for the country from the point of view of security and the environment, among others; and
• the projects promote indigenous content, with preference being given to indigenous companies where capacity, product or service exists.

The implementation of the IT Projects Clearance process has already recorded tremendous success.

For example, in 2021, there was unprecedented total of 280 new applications for clearance, of which 258 projects were successfully cleared and a total savings of N24,403,266,842.86, estimated at 343.2% increase in savings compared to 2020.

Furthermore, there was also a significant increase in the use of the IT Clearance Portal in the year 2021- a total of 248 new users from 52 Federal Public Institutions (FPIs) were registered on the portal.

“The approval of Council will further enhance the benefits of the IT Clearance process. Council’s approval also mandates FPIs to obtain a Quality Assurance certificate from the NITDA Regulatory Instruments Enforcement Team for any project that is up to N1,000,000,000 (one billion naira).

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