The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has commended the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development for its significant progress in digital transformation, particularly in transitioning to paperless operations and improving administrative efficiency. This commendation follows a quality assurance assessment conducted by NITDA on three Information and Communication Technology (ICT) projects implemented by the ministry under its 2024 capital budget. The assessment team, led by Dr. M. Agbali, verified and cleared the projects, praising the ministry's efforts to integrate technology into its operations.
The assessment evaluated three projects: the digitalisation of the filing and records management system, the deployment and upgrade of internet and intranet infrastructure, and the deployment and installation of video collaborative conferencing terminals. The digitalisation of the filing and records management system, implemented through the Enterprise Content Management (ECM) platform, has facilitated the scanning, indexing, and electronic storage of over 10,000 files. This has improved document retrieval, accountability, and administrative efficiency, while enhancing staff productivity and reducing expenditure on office materials.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded, stressing the importance of leveraging technology to strengthen institutional performance and improve service delivery. He noted that adopting digital solutions is essential to building a more efficient, responsive, and accountable public service. The ministry remains committed to using technology to enhance its operational capacity, streamline administrative processes, and promote transparency in the delivery of public services.
The upgrade of the internet and intranet infrastructure aims to strengthen network connectivity, improve reliability, and enhance information security, supporting seamless communication and more efficient service delivery. The deployment of video collaborative conferencing terminals is expected to facilitate virtual meetings, strengthen interdepartmental collaboration, and improve communication between the ministry, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
However, the assessment identified areas requiring sustained attention to ensure the effective operation and long-term sustainability of the digital systems. These include software licence renewals, technical support, data security, and adequate backup arrangements. The ministry has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening its digital transformation agenda through continuous innovation, strategic collaboration, and the adoption of technology-driven solutions.
The initiative aligns with the Federal Government's broader drive to build a technology-driven public service characterised by efficiency, transparency, accountability, and responsiveness. The ministry's Head of ICT Department, Dr. Amiolemen Marcus, presented the three projects to the NITDA assessment team, which praised the ministry's efforts to integrate technology into its operations, noting the positive impact on transparency, staff productivity, and administrative processes.
The National Information Technology Development Agency's assessment and recommendations demonstrate its role in promoting digital transformation across government agencies. The agency's efforts aim to ensure that government ministries and agencies leverage technology to improve service delivery, efficiency, and transparency. The Housing ministry's digital transformation drive serves as a model for other agencies to follow, and NITDA's recommendations will help ensure the long-term sustainability of the digital systems.
Key points
- The Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has made significant progress in its digital transformation drive.
- NITDA assessed three ICT projects implemented by the ministry under its 2024 capital budget.
- The ministry's digital transformation agenda aligns with the Federal Government's broader drive to build a technology-driven public service.
