Govt’s ignorance about ICT, threat to Vision 20:2020, says NITDA

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has warned that if the ignorance about information communication technology (ICT) in and out of governmet is not tackled, attainment of Vision 20:2020 of the Federal Government will remain a wishful thinking.
NITDA is the clearing house for IT projects in the public sector with the mandate to bring government and its services closer to the people through IT. It was also created to implement of the National IT policy, which seeks to make Nigeria an IT capable country in no distant future.
NITDA’s Director-General, Dr. Ashiru Sani Daura spoke during a visit by a delegation of the Nigerian Computer Society (NCS) in Abuja led by its new President, Prof David Adewumi.
He lamented that Nigeria is lagging behind in lobal ranking as shown by the country’s position on the global e-readiness index.
According to him, though ICT penetration was improving, there is need for the country to do more and be front runners in Africa. He stressed the need for massive enlightenment, adding that there was also need for collaboration.
“The transformation agenda and achieving Vision 20:2020 also requires IT,” Daura said.
While noting that NCS had been playing an important role in accelerating IT development in Nigeria, Daura recommended that NCS and NITDA should meet to create an action plan on the issues mentioned, advising that both organisations should strengthen their relationship for better mileage and benefit for the nation.
The NCS boss solicited for strategic partnerships in programmes and projects relating to research and development (R&D), cybersecurity, IT-enabled employment generation, promotion of excellence and professionalism in the industry and IT policy formulation that are of immense benefit to the country.
He commended the NITDA chief for not only sponsoring but also taking time out to attend NCS last conference in Osun State.
He said the goals of NITDA are in line with the core objectives of the NCS. He also praised Daura’s efforts at developing the outsourcing sector of the country, adding that NCS is proud that NITDA, which was borne out of the NCS vision and initiative, has firmly established.
- The Nation