By 
By Nana Theresa Timothy
Haruna Sani Sani, Director General of the Nasarawa State Information Technology and Digital Economy Agency (NASITDEA), emphasises that the key to successfully implementing ICT policies lies in addressing the ‘human or People-factor.’
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He notes that resistance to change, particularly among civil servants, poses great challenges. Transparency that is technology-driven can create apprehension among those used to established systems.
“The biggest challenge are the people,” Sani tells IT EdgeNews.Africa in a chat from Lafia town, capital of Nasarawa State.
He adds: “As the Director General of the Nasarawa State Information Technology and Digital Economy Agency. 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”.
Vision is to harness technology to empower young people
Since assuming office about a year ago, Sani has aligned NASITDEA with Governor Abdullahi A. Sule’s vision to support youth and enhance skillsets for the digital economy.
“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.”
The agency is focused on improving citizens’ experience with government services through technology. To achieve this, NASITDEA has launched various initiatives aimed at empowering young people with digital skills, fostering innovation, and addressing cybersecurity concerns.
“We are implementing widespread training and educational initiatives aimed at improving digital skills among our citizens, starting from schools to adult education programs,” says Sani.
Sani stresses the importance of gaining the confidence of civil servants and ensuring a transparent and fair implementation process for new digital technologies. The agency has initiated widespread training and education programs to improve digital skills across different demographics, from students to adults. He says NASITDEA is focused on ensuring that all stakeholders understand and support “our ICT policies crucial for successful implementation.”
The agency is also working to address cybersecurity concerns by taking measures to protect the state’s digital infrastructure from cyber threats.
He adds: “we are investing in robust cybersecurity frameworks and continuous monitoring systems to safeguard our digital assets.”
Streamlining Government Processes
Despite challenges, including funding constraints, NASITDEA is exploring diverse funding sources to sustain its ICT initiatives. With the support of Governor Sule, Sani underscores the agency’s commitment to reforming bureaucratic processes, enhancing service delivery, and fostering a culture of acceptance and collaboration
“We are working on reforming bureaucratic processes to make them more agile and responsive, ensuring timely implementation of our policies. By addressing resistance with a combination of communication, training, incentives, and inclusive practices, we aim to foster a culture of acceptance and collaboration,” says Sani.
