By Kokumo Goodie, Lagos, Nigeria
The Minister of Communications Technology, Adebayo Shittu, says if electronic government (e-government) is finally embraced in the country, it will strengthen the anti-graft war of President Muhammadu Buhari and reduce the wanton waste that goes with governance in the country.
Mr. Shittu, who spoke in Abuja while declaring open a Stakeholders Engagement Workshop on the e-Government Master Plan 2020, said e-government will also lead to improvement in administration and economic development.
He said the growth of the ICT sector which it will promote more job creation.
“For me, this workshop is supposed to reinforce the e-Government Master Plan 2020 with improved awareness and expert finishing touches that will lead to the best plan possible for marrying governance in Nigeria with ICT. With technology evolving at an exponential pace, and with its relentless self-integration into various facets of our daily and national life, it is vital that governance, the most important aspect of national life, must not be left behind.
“By 2020 and beyond, Nigerian public office holders must, at the click of computer buttons, be able to deliver the concrete dividends of democracy to Nigerians. By 2020 and beyond, government, at the click of computer buttons, should be able to collate the ideas of millions of Nigerians as prompt and invaluable input in policy evolution and development.
“By 2020 and beyond, government, at the click of computer buttons, should be able to accurately monitor in real-time the amount of crude oil and gas that is being taken-out of Nigeria every day. By 2020 and beyond, government should be able to pay pensions electronically to pensioners without their having to stand endlessly in queues,” he said.
