From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has received commendation for being in the forefront of the Federal Government economic diversification through Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Executive Director of the Transparency Advocacy Initiative and Allied Civil Society Group (TAIACSG), Comrade Solomon Adodo, also lauded its efforts in promoting entrepreneurship and ICT innovation among youths, with more encouragement to sustain the momentum, thus revolutionizing the industry, creating more opportunities for Nigerians.
He said in Abuja that NITDA underwent great transformation under the new Director General, Dr. Isa Pantami.
He said: “The determined effort of NITDA to boost local content is the masterstroke that would reverse capital flight and loss of forex as it would save the nation an estimated $3.8 billion that was annually lost to importation of ICT goods services and software.
“Our findings further revealed that transparency, accountability, fairness and due process have become the credo and watchword at NITDA.
“The fact that the DG has chosen to follow strictly and diligently in the footsteps of Mr. President is one factor that remains commendable and should be emulated by other chief executives of government agencies.
“We have also observed that he detest corruption, ineptitude, lack of due process and maladministration.
“The agency was no longer viewed as a mere administrative platform or cash cow for awarding contracts, but repositioned to beam her efforts on the core mandate of being a knowledge-based info-tech solution provider and strict regulator to ensure compliance with best standards.”
He also commended NITDA’s strengthened collaboration with industry leaders, start-ups and young Nigerians fused with the call on manufacturers of ICT products and service providers, with mutually beneficial incentives, to domesticate their production.