Niger State Government has published an official gazette establishing the statutory mandate of the State Ministry of Communication Technology and Digital Economy.
This milestone achievement is recorded following the recognition of the crucial role of the IT sector in fostering economic prosperity and self-reliance within the State.
The Gazette tagged “Niger State Information and Communication Technology Promotion Order No. 01, 2024” underscores the need to promote local IT products and services, stimulate domestic and foreign investments, create employment opportunities for its residents and collaborate with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to boost the patronage of local IT products and services. Also the gazette empowered the Ministry of Communications Technology and Digital Economy to be the sole custodian of all IT initiatives of the State irrespective of benefiting sector. This is to ensure quality and standards in technology deployments in the State.
In a statement signed by the Commissioner of Communication Technology and Digital Economy, Hon. Suleiman Isah, the Farmer Governor of Niger State, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago approved the Order taking effect from the 1st of March, 2024.
Reeling out the mandates, the Gazette empowers the Ministry of Communication Technology and Digital Economy to regulate, promote, and develop the communication and digital economy sectors in the state, thereby emphasising the importance of innovation, investment stimulation, and strategic development while recognising the need to develop communication technologies to meet established global practices.
The statement noted that the conferment of exclusive powers on the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy encompasses oversight, supervision and project coordination as the Ministry now has the authority over regulations, policies, and standards governing the procurement, usage and management of IT devices, solutions and services across all MDAs.
“All Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Niger State are mandated to prioritise the engagement of local IT companies for planning, designing and executing IT-related contracts, with consideration for other Nigerian companies only upon certification by the Ministry of Communication Technology and Digital Economy that local expertise is unavailable. In cases where local expertise is lacking, preference shall be given to Nigerian companies or firms with clear plans for indigenous capacity building and patronage of local IT products and services before contract Award.
“Exclusive approval is granted for the Ministry to vet and issue clearance to all government entities before IT-related agreements are signed, IT contracts are awarded, IT-related activities are carried out and payment for IT goods and services are made” Part of the statement read.
