Gov Sule’, NITDA meets, perfect plan for E-governance in Nasarawa.
From Francis Nansak,Lafia
The Nasarawa state government,is poised to commence E-governance across it sectors that attract more investment, strengthen civil service capacity for accountantability and transparent operations.
This position was perfected on Thursday,when a delegation from the head office of the NITDA paid the state governor, Engineer Abdullahi Sule a courtesy visit,in government house lafia.
Notable point that were raised towards achieving digital transformation in the state included Improved public administration, Growth of ICT sector generally leading to employment opportunities, Improved economic development, Cost savings resulting to efficient service delivery and Enhance transparency and accountability,among others.
In his speech Engr. Abdullahi Sule commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the huge improvement and innovations made in the area of ICT which has enabled the sector generate more to the Nations Gross Domestic Product (GDP) than any other sector , noting that the ICT has contributed more to Nigeria than oil in 2019.
The Governor also congratulated the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Dr. Ali Ibrahim Pantami and Director General National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA ) Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi for their contribution to the economy, which was an improvement for the country and the sector , providing huge potential to enhance private sector partnerships in service delivery.
Gov. Sule appreciated NITDA and their partnership with the state towards developing an E-Governance master plan , which he said would give a big boost to the Nasarawa state Economic Development Strategy (NEDS)and enhance transparency, probity and accountability
Also in virtually conversation during the visit , the Director general of NITDA, Dr. Inuwa Kashifu explained that the master plan will also serve as a clear guide for the state to a world digital transformation through knowledge based economy and a framework for the implementation of the Nasarawa Economic Development Strategy (NEDS)
“ The Master plan on e-governance if developed, is focused on wealth creation through exploring critical areas such as power, transport, health education, solid mineral, agriculture, industry and trade among others.”He stated
Earlier, the Director General Nasarawa state Bureau for Information and Communication Technology Ibrahim Shehu, described the initiative as the best steps so far taken towards placing Nasarawa state on a strong economic pedestrian on the global map.
He said e- government master plan is to develop a world-class open government, based on transparency, efficiency and quality of service.
“The ongoing transition of all government operations to digital platforms will enhance efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery, and promote more inter-agency synergy, block financial leakages and improve transparency in government dealings among others”.
The DG however, said the transition to digital economy should no longer be seen as an option for the MDAs, but “an absolute necessity.”
The Nasarawa State E-Government Master plan would place the core of NEDS implementation strategy in the administration’s vision, goals and towards realizing the benefits of e-Government through a guided Digital Transformation Plan that would build a strong foundation for integrating existing IT processes, infrastructure, applications and institutions for superior performance; and provide direction for enabling new digital platforms and business models for a future of socio-economic development as well as promote Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Nasarawa State
