THE federal government has reiterated its commitment to extend governance to all sectors of the economy, using digital platforms driven by data centres. Adebayo Shittu, minister of communications, said efforts are on to expand the number of data centres in the country as part of government’s plan to expand its presence on a digital platform, 1-gov.net.

According to the minister, the digital platform, apart from consolidating existing government ICT infrastructure, also enables ministries, departments and agencies of government, MDAs, to exchange data in a seamless manner while allowing each other to remain independent and maintain its privacy and the security of its operatives.

Shittu, who made the disclosure during his keynote address delivered at the 2017 Microsoft Digital Government Conference held in Abuja, on Thursday, September 28, said through the 1-gov.net, government has become more participatory and accessible where citizens can participate in policy process through discussions, suggestions and online-polls.

“Various government departments are using the platform to seek inputs on a wide range of issues. Using the 1-gov.net platform, government has been able to save 30 per cent of what it would have expended on a unit per unit cost. As at date 90 per cent of all MDAs within Abuja, are linked with fiber backbone and 3,500 locations of different MDAs have been touched across the country. About 270 MDAs websites and applications are being hosted on the network.

“Government has recorded success in 1-gov.net, we now focus on some services that have direct bearing on the present administration’s priorities, and we are determined to continue with the shared ICT infrastructure and services initiative in the MDAs. The 1-gov.net is promoting Whole-of-Government approaches in the information age based on shared services. This approach will enhance productivity of government officials, increase experience of patrons of government services, enhance security and drive out the menace of corruption,” the minister said

According to Shittu, government would continue to recognise the urgent need to increase efficiency and transparency, improve and align processes, smart government and smart cities, attract new investors, bridge the digital divide, transform government transaction services, data-driven government, better access to and management of information, in such a way that would enhance citizen satisfaction and trust, meeting the needs of rapidly changing demographics and balancing costs while optimising efficiency.

He said digital government is a vision statement that seeks to bring about citizen empowerment by harnessing the potentials of ICTs as well as seeking to transform government into digitally empowered society and knowledge economy in a manner that government is available on the palm of every citizen. Digital government, he said, does not comprise the digital architecture alone, but it encompasses digital delivery of citizen-centric services, and ultimately, digital empowerment of the people.

“Internet users in Nigeria have crossed 90 million. The mobile users have also crossed 156 million marks. The smart phone users are more than 60 million. Today, from booking of train tickets to payment of fees and taxes, from post office and banking transactions to issue of digital documents, online registrations to online applications and e-services, digital revolution is seen everywhere and touches almost every aspect of life of a common citizen.”

– Sept. 29, 2017 @ 10:22 GMT /