The National Information Technology Development Agency NITDA has played critical roles in national development by providing the legal framework for information technology development and pioneering IT developmental projects.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami at the anniversary celebration and unveiling of the 20th Anniversary logo/
The Minister, who has also served as a Director-General of the agency, noted that NITDA has played critical roles in national development by providing the legal framework for information technology development and pioneering IT developmental projects.
Specifically, he hailed NITDA in the area of Information Technology project clearance, which he said has helped in the fight against corruption in tandem with President Muhammadu Buhari agenda.
According to him, the effective handling of IT project clearance by NITDA has saved Nigeria over N2billion, disclosing that before now contractors hyped the cost of executing a contract for the government.
In his opening remark, the Director General/CEO of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi said that NITDA has substantially actualized the National IT Policy’s goal to digitize Nigeria and the Agency is now in the phase of digitalizing the country.
“What is the difference between digitisation and digitalisation? Digitisation means using IT to enhance traditional processes. In comparison, digitalisation means using IT to deliver new value propositions through innovation. It is about taking advantage of IT as a source of inspiration and strategic national economic, security and social platform, Kashifu Abdullahi said.
For the EVC of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, NITDA has done fantastically well for championing the digital economy agenda.
He said in the last twenty years of NITDA, the agency has facilitated access to information technology goods and services, catalyzing job creation and ensuring national security. Thus, crystallizing Nigeria’s resolution to embrace digital transformation.
“NITDA’s 20 years of IT services deserve commendations. The journey may be slow but Nigeria is really on the right part towards the actualization of the digital economy,” said Danbatta in his remark.
Others who hailed NITDA on the 20th Anniversary include the Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone Limited, Prof. Mohammed Abubakar, the CEO of NIGCOMSAT, Abimbola Alale, Post-Master General of the Federation, Adebayo Adewusi and the DG of NIMC, Aliyu Abubakar Aziz.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) was created in April 2001 to implement the Nigerian Information Technology Policy and co-ordinate general IT development in the country.
The Act (National Information Technology Development Act (2007) mandate NITDA to create a framework for the planning, research, development, standardization, application, coordination, monitoring, evaluation and regulation of Information Technology practices, activities and systems in Nigeria.
Its role therefore is to develop, regulate and advise on Information technology in the country through regulatory standards, guidelines and policies.
Additionally, NITDA is the clearing house for all IT projects and infrastructural development in the country.
It is the prime Agency for e-government implementation, Internet governance and general IT development in Nigeria.
NITDA is poised to actualise its mammoth mandate through strategic and inclusive stakeholder management, local and international partnership and efficient utilisation of resources in the interest of Nigeria.
It vision is to proactively facilitate the development of Nigeria into a sustainable digital economy while its mission is to serve as an apex IT Agency, we create an enabling environment where Nigerians develop, adopt and derive value from digital technology.
