NASITDEA boss Sani outlines strategies to tackle ICT hurdles and unlock digital potential in Nasarawa State

In a recent exclusive chat with IT EdgeNews.Africa, Haruna Sani Sani, Director General of Nasarawa State Information Technology and Digital Economy Agency (NASITDEA), discussed various challenges and opportunities in implementing ICT policies within Nasarawa State. He shared insights with Nana Theresa Timothy, Yusuf Ahmed, and Olusegun Oruame on the agency’s efforts to enhance skillsets for the digital economy and improve citizens’ experience with government services. Sani stresses the importance of addressing the ‘human or People-factor’—winning the confidence of civil servants who are often apprehensive about changes to established systems. He highlighted the agency’s commitment to ensuring a transparent and fair implementation process for new technologies, aiming to alleviate fears of unfair scrutiny and foster a supportive environment for digital transformation. He says NASITDEA aligns with the State Government’s commitment to ensure a transparent transition to new digital technologies.

What are the biggest challenges you face in implementing ICT policies in Nasarawa State, and how do you plan to address them?

The biggest challenge are the people, the people within Nasarawa state. As the Director General of the Nasarawa State Information Technology and Digital Economy Agency (NASITDEA), I understand that resistance to change, particularly from civil servants, poses a significant challenge in implementing ICT policies. Technology brings about transparency, which can be met with apprehension by those accustomed to existing systems. Others are:

Lack of Policy Awareness and Adoption: Ensuring that all stakeholders understand and support our ICT policies is crucial for successful implementation.

RELATED: ‘People-factor’ is crucial for effective ICT policy implementation, says NASITDEA DG Haruna Sani

Cybersecurity Concerns: Protecting our digital infrastructure from cyber threats is a critical and complex task.

Here is our approach to addressing this issue:

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1. Securing Funding: We are exploring diverse funding sources, including state budgets, federal grants, public-private partnerships, and international donor agencies, to ensure we have the necessary resources.
2. Communication and Awareness: We will engage in open and transparent communication with civil servants to explain the benefits of new technologies. Highlighting how these technologies can streamline their work and improve service delivery can help ease concerns.
3. Digital Literacy Programs: We are implementing widespread training and educational initiatives aimed at improving digital skills among our citizens, starting from schools to adult education programs.
4. Transparency in Implementation: Ensuring that the process of implementing new technologies is transparent and fair can alleviate fears of unfair scrutiny. Emphasizing the goal of improving service delivery and efficiency rather than monitoring individuals can help gain acceptance.
5. Streamlining Processes: We are working on reforming bureaucratic processes to make them more agile and responsive, ensuring timely implementation of our policies
6. Enhanced Cybersecurity Measures: We are investing in robust cybersecurity frameworks and continuous monitoring systems to safeguard our digital assets.

By addressing resistance with a combination of communication, training, incentives, and inclusive practices, we aim to foster a culture of acceptance and collaboration.

“Balancing ICT-driven development with the unique needs and context of Nasarawa State involves … regular consultations with local communities to understand their specific needs and challenges, ensuring that ICT solutions are tailored to address these concerns effectively”

ALSO READ: Nasarawa builds IT incubation hub

How does your agency envision leveraging ICT to build skills among Nasarawa’s youth, and what initiatives have you put in place to achieve this goal?

As An Agency, we recognize the pivotal role that ICT can play in building skills among Nasarawa’s youth. Our vision is to harness technology to empower young people, equipping them with the digital skills necessary for the modern workforce and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. To achieve this, we have put in place several initiatives. They include:

1. Digital Literacy Programs: We have launched comprehensive digital literacy programs aimed at providing foundational ICT skills to students across primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions. These programs cover essential skills such as computer basics, internet navigation, and the use of productivity tools.
2. E-Government Initiatives: We are implementing e-government solutions that streamline administrative processes, improve service delivery, and enhance transparency. Training sessions are provided to ensure that civil servants are proficient in using these systems.
3. ICT Competitions and Hackathons: the state has been selected by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy Agency to host the next Build-A-Thon bootcamp program in the North Central region. This initiative aims to introduce Junior and Senior Secondary School students to embedded systems and maker culture during the 2024 summer holiday. This initiative encourages young people to apply their skills in solving real-world problems. These events foster a spirit of innovation and teamwork, while also identifying and nurturing talent.
4. ICT Hubs and Innovation Centers: Ther are ICT hubs and innovation centres across the state, providing young people with access to technology resources, mentorship, and collaborative spaces. These centres serve as incubators for startups, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
5. Partnerships with Educational Institutions: we are also working on collaborating with schools, colleges, and universities. We also facilitate internships and work-study programs, giving students hands-on experience in real-world ICT environments.
6. Collaborations with Tech Companies: We partner with leading technology companies to offer training and ICT solutions for MDA’s
7. Support for Digital Entrepreneurship: We offer support for young digital entrepreneurs through mentorship programs, and access to markets. Our goal is to create an ecosystem where youth can transform their innovative ideas into successful businesses.

By leveraging on these initiatives, NASITDEA aims to build a skilled and digitally proficient workforce within the public sector and improve youths in the State. Our goal is to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and responsiveness of Nasarawa State’s government, ultimately delivering better services to our citizens.

“Nasarawa State is supporting local tech communities and startups through incubation programs, hackathons, and innovation challenges to spur creativity and entrepreneurship”

What strategies are you implementing to drive government processes through ICT, and how will this impact service delivery to citizens?

The Agency is committed to driving government processes through ICT to improve service delivery to citizens. Our strategies include:

1. E-Government Platforms: We are developing and implementing e-government platforms that digitize various government services.
2. Automation of Administrative Processes: By automating routine administrative tasks, we aim to increase efficiency and reduce processing times. This includes the digitization of records, automated workflows, and electronic document management systems.
3. Integrated Service Portals: We are creating integrated service portals that provide a one-stop shop for citizens to access a wide range of government services. These portals simplify the process of finding and utilizing government services, making it more convenient for citizens.
4. Data Analytics and Management: We are leveraging data analytics to improve decision-making and resource allocation. By analyzing data from various sources, we can identify trends, measure performance, and make informed policy decisions that enhance service delivery.
5. Citizen Engagement Platforms: Establishing digital platforms for citizen engagement allows for real-time feedback and communication between the government and the public. These platforms enable citizens to report issues, provide suggestions, and receive timely responses from government officials.
6. Public Awareness Campaigns: To promote the adoption of digital services, we are conducting public awareness campaigns that educate citizens about the availability and benefits of online government services.

The impacts on service delivery are immense. They include:

1. Increased Efficiency: Automating and digitizing government processes significantly reduces processing times, leading to faster service delivery for citizens.
2. Enhanced Accessibility: Online and mobile platforms make it easier for citizens to access government services from anywhere at any time, reducing the need for physical visits to government offices.
3. Greater Transparency: Digital systems enhance transparency by providing clear records of transactions and reducing opportunities for corruption.
4. Cost Savings: Digitization reduces the cost of paper-based processes and physical infrastructure, leading to cost savings for the government and citizens.
5. Improved Citizen Satisfaction: Convenient and efficient service delivery improves citizen satisfaction and trust in the government.
6. Data-Driven Decisions: The use of data analytics enables better decision-making and more effective allocation of resources, resulting in improved public services.

“Developing ICT programs and initiatives [must be] culturally appropriate and inclusive, ensuring that all segments of the population benefit from technological advancements” 

What incentives or support systems has your agency put in place to encourage ICT companies to establish operations in Nasarawa State, and what ease of doing business reforms have been implemented?

We’ve implemented several incentives and support systems to attract ICT companies to establish operations in Nasarawa State. Such as provision of our tech hubs for startups with the resources they need, such as office space, mentorship, and access to funding.

How does your agency balance the need for ICT-driven development with the unique needs and context of Nasarawa State, and what partnerships have you forged to ensure sustainable ICT growth?

Balancing ICT-driven development with the unique needs and context of Nasarawa State involves a multifaceted approach that respects local dynamics while leveraging technology to drive growth. Here’s how NASITDEA addresses this balance:

1. Community Engagement: Regular consultations with local communities to understand their specific needs and challenges, ensuring that ICT solutions are tailored to address these concerns effectively.
2. Cultural Sensitivity: Developing ICT programs and initiatives that are culturally appropriate and inclusive, ensuring that all segments of the population benefit from technological advancements.
3. Local Content Development: Encouraging the creation of local content and applications that are relevant to the residents of Nasarawa State, promoting local entrepreneurship and innovation.

“Nasarawa State is encouraging the creation of local content and applications relevant to residents, promoting local entrepreneurship and innovation”

Partnerships for Sustainable ICT Growth:

1. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Collaborating with private sector companies to invest in ICT infrastructure and services, ensuring sustainable development through shared resources and expertise.
2. Academic Collaborations: Partnering with educational institutions to foster research and development in ICT, promoting innovation and developing a skilled workforce.
3. International Organizations: Working with international organizations and donor agencies to access funding, technical expertise, and best practices for ICT development.
4. Government Agencies: Coordinating with other government agencies, such as the Nasarawa Investment and Development Agency, to align efforts and create a cohesive strategy for economic growth and digital transformation.
5. Tech Communities and Startups: Supporting local tech communities and startups through incubation programs, hackathons, and innovation challenges to spur creativity and entrepreneurship.

These partnerships and initiatives are designed to create a robust and sustainable ICT ecosystem in Nasarawa State, fostering long-term economic growth and improving the quality of life for its residents.