By Lukman Oladokun
The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, FNCS, FBCS, FIIM has charged the newly reconstituted National Information Technology Development Agency’s Governing Board members to equip themselves with the roles expected of them as contained in provisions of the Administrative Guideline of the Federal Government of Nigeria in order to avoid friction in the discharge of their duties.
The Minister handed down the advice while inaugurating the reconstituted members of the NITDA Governing Board Council at the Ministry’s Headquarter, Abuja.
Pantami who stated that he was not anticipating any friction in discharge of duties of the various stakeholders because of the wealth of experiences of the new members encouraged them to review the Guidelines so as to refresh their knowledge.
“It is mandatory for you to look at the key provisions of the Administrative Guidelines very well so there won’t be complain in terms of role playing. We all know that day to day administration of the Agency is the responsibility of the NITDA Management staff and not that of the Ministry nor the Board. While policy formulation and implementation are roles to be played by the Ministry and the board has the power to cascade policy and manage the fund of the agency as approved by the National Assembly.
The Minister while praying and advising the board members stated he would not congratulate them because “it is not in my tradition to do so for people on appointment until you exit and successful” advised them to always approach him for advice either personal or official if the need arises.
In his brief acceptance speech, on behalf of other members of the board, the chairman of the Governing Council, Dr Abubakar Saidu expressed their sincere appreciations to President Muhammadu Buhari for approving their nominations into the NITDA Governing Council.
“We have been selected for a purpose. We all know that the Agency has been in the news for good reasons in recent time and this has placed a high responsibility on us to maintain the tempo and surpass it. We will support the Ministry through NITDA to actualize the vision of Mr. President and I pray that Almighty God guide us in the discharge of our duties.
