The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has pledged to explore and exploit all avenues in enhancing the effectiveness of its service delivery to its customers in the realisation of its statutory core value of putting people first.
The NITDA director-general, Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi, made this declaration when he gave an opening remark at the maiden edition of the agency’s customer engagement event held in Abuja.
The DG, who was represented by the agency’s acting director, e-government development and regulations, Mr. Bernard Ewah stated that getting feedback from customers about the activities of the agency would not only help the agency understand what the services mean to it but also help to improve service delivery.
“At NITDA, our mandate requires that we ensure that the public, including institutions of government, individuals and businesses utilise technology to further their individual and collective aspirations and to promote the wellbeing of the society,” he stated.
While emphasising the agency’s commitment to rendering excellent service delivery to its customers, Abdullahi gave insights into the impact some of these services have made on the nation’s economy.
“Today, NITDA has cleared 272 projects for 70 Federal public institutions (FPIs) and cleared 300 projects for 81 organisations. In the process, NITDA has saved the Federal Government N10.6 billion,” he disclosed.
He noted that the ability to enhance the impact of ICT projects rank highest in the growth of the IT clearance process while stating categorically that improving the quality of services offered by the government using technology will enhance the ability of civil servants to discharge their duties efficiently, as well as enhance the capacity of citizens to access government services promptly.
The NITDA also said that the registration of ICT companies is another service the agency has been offering to citizens and mentioned that out of the 1,298 applications received by the Agency since its inception, a total of 1,168 have been registered.
While urging customers to utilise all information provided on the Agency’s website and social media platforms, he promised the Agency’s commitment to improving its service delivery.
“We have introduced new measures to improve our services and I am delighted to inform you that these platforms are being upgraded. By the end of the first quarter [of] next year, when our platforms are fully upgraded, we would be able to address some of the areas causing delays and begin to issue electronic certificates,” he added.
In her goodwill message, the national coordinator of SERVICOM, Mrs. Nnenna Akajemeli who was represented by the commission’s operations team lead, Mrs. Ngozi Akinbodewa, expressed her satisfaction with the work done so far by NITDA.
She said although the agency has done well, service delivery cannot be effective without feedback from internal customers and external stakeholders.
“I am also your customer because I am part of those that registered for IT clearance and I can start giving you my feedback that the portal is very interactive. You are doing a lot to ensure that services are delivered effectively at NITDA,” she stated.
While delivering her welcome address earlier, the nodal officer of the agency’s SERVICOM Unit, Mrs. Tariundu Ndoni appreciated the DG for his support to the unit in organising the engagement.
Asserting physical engagement as one of the best practices, she said that it would allow a more interactive aura where the experiences of customers regarding services rendered would be made known to the agency.
“We look forward to us being candid in our needs so that they can be evaluated and addressed to satisfy our customer’s expectations”, she added.
