The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly accelerate the process of digitizing government operations.
The MoU was formalized by Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, and Dr. Dasuki Arabi, Director-General of BPSR, at a recent event held at the NCC’s Head Office in Abuja.
Danbatta emphasized that this collaboration aligns with NCC’s Strategic Vision Plan (SVP) to foster partnerships and cooperation with relevant stakeholders. He highlighted that the MoU encompasses enabling policies and implementing institutions, crucial elements for a successful digital transformation.
Broadband penetration, which forms the backbone of this process, remains a key focus for NCC. Danbatta underscored that the Nigerian National Broadband Plan emphasizes the deployment of broadband infrastructure nationwide, serving as a catalyst for governance transformation and growth in the services sector.
Upon completion of the digitization process, Danbatta foresees a paperless governance system. He anticipates a shift towards online administration, streamlining tasks that currently involve offline paperwork. Efficiency is expected to be a hallmark of this digital transition, enhancing the operations of entities such as the Bureau for Public Service Reforms and the Nigerian Communications Commission.
Arabi, in response, highlighted NCC’s exceptional commitment to modern practices and its significant achievements. He noted that the partnership between NCC and BPSR commenced in 2016 when NCC became the first government agency to undergo the BPSR online Self-Assessment Tool (SAT), earning the Platinum Organization rating.
Building on the success of workshops on Distributed Ledger Technologies (Blockchain) held jointly by NCC and BPSR in 2022, Arabi emphasized that the MoU signifies an opportunity to further enhance public service delivery, leading to a robust federal system with a strong stance against corruption.
The MoU also intends to promote collaboration between federal and state governments, ultimately enhancing service delivery and addressing corruption perception. Arabi underscored the MoU’s potential to create an environment conducive to economic growth and investment.
Arabi highlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance access to government information and services through the Federal Government’s Scorecard for ranking websites of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), noting its positive impact on Nigeria’s socio-economic development.
(Edited by Oludare Mayowa; omayowa@globalfinancialdigest.com; Newsroom: +234 8033 964 138)
