Experts say new communication minister should use ICT to improve government policies

Key industry players say that Adebayo Shittu, the new minister of communication should work hand in hand with Lai Mohammed who is now the minister of Information to use ICT to positively impact government policies in Nigeria.

They say this is because enriching the lives of citizens can be achieved through the use of modern day technologies such as medical treatment databases and wider internet broadband access to allow the youth to compete for online jobs in the global market, among others.

The advancement of technology and the age of  internet of everything (IOE) have given rise to government having access to very vital information on citizens. Systems of data collection such as the e-passport, new biometric driving license, bank verification number (BVN), permanent voter’s card amongst others, provide  excellent data for developmental planning, they said. However, some stakeholders have expressed concern on the security of citizen’s personal information.

Speaking recently at a technology forum, Rex Mafiana, Chief Executive Officer, FPG Technologies and Solutions Limited said; “digitalised data is available for anyone who cares to see it as security breaches are very likely to happen, especially with governments who are seen as more susceptible to being hacked.

“ Adebayo Shittu, the new communication minister, is therefore being advised to work closely with Lai Mohammed , the minister for information, to ensure that security measures are put in place to protect information of citizens.”

Although the development of the ICT sector so far has been commended, industry watchers believe that there is more work to be done in relation to using communication technology to improve impaired sectors such as education and health.

Stressing the integral role of ICT in education, Kasope Akindele, Main One’s Manager, Legal & Company Secretary said; “Allowing the students access to vast amount of positive information via the internet increases the delivery of quality information.”

Samuel Akindipe, Deputy Director of Education, District 4, Lagos, said there have been major changes in the Lagos State education sector, due to the adoption of computers as a learning tool and development of communication technology.

“We are in the computer age and students do not carry hard copy books around anymore, they read e-books and do online research which is even more environmentally friendly, as there is no need to waste paper and gradually, Lagos state is going green it is only appropriate to see the wind of change spread across the country,” he said.

Talking to BusinessDay, Lanre Ajayi, President, Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), said; “The new minister should sustain most of the policies initiated by the former Minister, Omobola Johnson, especially in the area of software applications development.”

Former minister of Communication Technology, Omobola Johnson, put in motion specific policies and legislation relating to the development of the ICT sector including, National ICT policy in August 2012, National Broadband Plan in May 2013 and Guidelines for Nigerian Content in ICT in November 2013.

Establishing a number of initiatives in order to fast track the development of the ICT sector, her office set out to facilitate the build-out of a robust, and cost-effective broadband network aimed at increasing internet penetration within the country.

Lanre Ajayi, told BusinessDay that the most challenging issue in the ICT sector is that of broadband access and the new minister should seek to fast track implementation of the plan, by working closely with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to begin issuance of infraCo licenses to winning bidders and ensure that financial incentives are provided for these InfraCos to enable them roll out.

With an effort to achieve greater transparency, efficiency, and productivity in governance and citizen engagement, Omobola Johnson introduced the government services portal with the objectives of creating a single point of entry to government information and services, enhancing accountability and improve the delivery and quality of public services through technology-enabled civic engagement and transforming public administration efficiency through use of the portal.

The portal contains a location directory of existing government services that are online and working with Ministries of Agriculture, Education, Health, Industry, Trade & Investment for the  ministries to automate some of their processes. Most notable of these is the registration of companies with the CAC.

Stakeholders are therefore advising the new minister to continue this process of transparency through technology.

“The proposal of e-legislation by the National Assembly is a step in the right direction and will serve as a bridge between citizens of Nigeria and their elected representatives in the parliament. It is a good idea and the new minister should ensure that this bill is passed into law, in order to increase efficiency,” said, Auwal Ibrahim Musa, Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC).

Jumoke Akiyode