Expert tasks FG on digitised services to promote good governance

Wed, Jan 16, 2019 | By publisher


Science & Tech

AN Information Communication Technology (ICT) expert, Mr Thomas Adikoya, on Tuesday in Abuja, urged the three tiers of government in the country to leverage on ICT to effectively deliver their activities and policies to citizens.

Adikoya, who is a Data Analyst at Instant Access Computer Centre, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that there was need for
governments to proactively propound friendly policies that would ensure the use of technology-based platforms of interactions.

According to him, government activities are enhanced by the adoption of new media tools that provide interactive and instantaneous feedback.

He said “it is, therefore, important that Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) remain committed to enhancing the institutional
presence of government on the internet.

“This is so that all Nigerians, regardless of their social or demographic status, can have ubiquitous access to government information and
services.”

He emphasised the need for government agencies to use the internet differently to design policies and services for improved governance.

He added that “Nigeria must adopt the internet in a way that will promote e-service at almost every point and then try to shape policies
accordingly for good governance.

“We have all seen the impact of technology in the financial system of Nigeria’s public sector.

“Some years back, the accounts of MDAs were held by various commercial banks. Then the Federal Government had as many
bank accounts as there were MDAs, programmes and projects, making it difficult to effectively track and manage government treasury.

“However, the use of technology has made it possible to have a holistic view of Federal Government treasury position through the
Treasury Single Account (TSA) from a single technology platform.

“Related to this also, is the Integrated Payroll Processing System (IPPS) which has enabled the government to eliminate the menace
of `ghost workers’ by creating a centralised technology system for managing public sector payroll administration.

“These developments are just a few to mention but they indicate the pattern of things to come in the near future if government services
become more digitised.”

-NAN

BE

– Jan. 16, 2019 @ 9:29 GMT |

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