From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has disclosed that its IT Project Clearance initiative has saved Nigeria over N300 billion in the last eight years by preventing duplicated, poorly designed, and inflated technology projects across federal government institutions.
The agency made this known during a recent high-level engagement with the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, the Office of the Auditor General, and the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), where it presented a revised version of its IT Project Clearance Guidance Document.
According to a statement issued by NITDA’s Spokesperson Mrs. Hadiza Umar on Monday, the agency’s Director-General, Mr Kashifu Inuwa, said the new framework was developed to further strengthen transparency, accountability, and efficiency in government IT spending, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“56 percent IT projects failed to deliver on what were promised because we go for latest technology, and failure to design before building the technology and lack of consideration for the business value proposition we are trying to deliver with the projects,” Inuwa said.
He explained that the reviewed guidelines introduce a three-phase process, solution design, implementation, and quality assurance, that all MDAs must now follow, adding that only contractors with certified and licensed professionals in these phases will be eligible for government IT contracts.
The Director-General warned against the current isolated approach to IT implementation, which he said undermines system compatibility and shared services across MDAs. “We must build a harmonised, digitised government that delivers seamless services to citizens,” he said.
At the Bureau of Public Procurement, the Director-General, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, applauded the move, noting that many IT contracts have historically been used to siphon public funds due to a lack of standardisation and oversight.
“It is disheartening that organisations misuse IT projects to siphon public funds—resources that could otherwise be channeled towards impactful initiatives that can transform the country.” Adedokun stated.
He urged NITDA to support the BPP with IT pricing benchmarks and templates for software licensing to strengthen cost management in procurement processes. He also advocated for capacity building for public servants in the IT cadre to reduce reliance on vendors.
The Auditor General of the Federation, Mr Shaakaa Chira, praised NITDA’s initiative and pledged that his office would conduct performance audits to evaluate the impact of the clearance process once implemented.
On his part, the Accountant General, Mr Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, also expressed readiness to support the integration of the new clearance framework into financial oversight systems.
Both NITDA and the BPP agreed to form a joint committee to work out the modalities for full implementation and sign a Memorandum of Understanding to formalise the partnership.