FG saves over N13bn through IT Clearance

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) said onThursday that Nigeria has saved over  13billion naira through the use of Information Technology (IT) clearance.

The IT clearance is a set of Guidelines issued in line with the need for a coordinated, standardized and orderly approach to the deployment of Information Technology (IT) systems by Federal Government Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs).

The Director General, NITDA, Ali Isa Pantami disclosed this at a press conference to update journalists on the upcoming e-Nigeria 2018 Conference, Exhibitions and Awards and also to highlight the recent activities of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) under his stewardship in Abuja on Thursday.

Explaining how the agency was able to help the country save such amount, Pantami said the MDAs are required to obtain clearance from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for their Information Technology (IT) projects to ensure that IT projects are not replicated. The money was also saved through integration of IT systems and services by MDAs to save costs, promote shared services, interoperability and improve efficiency, among others.

He said ” for example,  when an IT project which could be executed with 18billion Naira was passed by the Federal Executive Council at 21billion naira, and was brought to NITDA  for IT clearance, we did our calculations  and it was reduced by 3billion naira because 18billion naira can take care of the project, ” said Pantami ndigenous capacity for after-sales-service to sustain the project beyond the initial deployment, and to ensure that the project promotes indigenous content give preference to indigenous companies where capacity or the product or service exists.

Speaking on the 2018 e-Nigeria conference, scheduled to commence on
Monday, November 5, Pantami said the event would provide a platform
for brainstorming on emerging technologies, local innovation and
relevant ICT issues for the socio-economic development of Nigeria.

The theme of the conference is “Promoting Digital Economy in an Era of
Disruptive Technologies Through Effective Regulations”,  and would be
deliberated on in three focal points, namely, Digital Economy,
Disruptive Technologies and Effective Regulations.

Oyin Aminu, Abuja