The Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has said that inadequate engagement of certified Information and Communication Technology (ICT) professionals was slowing the implementation of Nigeria’s digital economy policies.
The President of the NCS, Prof Muhammad Aliyu, said that inadequate engagement of ICT professionals was also threatening efforts to create sustainable technology jobs and advance digital health.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, Aliyu said that, although the Federal Government had introduced several digital initiatives on the economy, many were delayed because key professional stakeholders were not involved early enough in policy development.
“Certified ICT professionals should participate in policy development from conception through to implementation to ensure faster execution and better outcomes.
“Professional bodies, including the Computer Professionals Registration Council of Nigeria and the Nigeria Computer Society, possess the technical expertise needed to shape effective digital policies.
“Relying on individuals without core ICT expertise weakens policy implementation and slows Nigeria’s digital transformation.
“Government should distinguish certified ICT professionals from technology users, because digital literacy alone does not make one an IT professional,’’ he said.
Aliyu said that the council regularly submitted recommendations and sought opportunities to contribute to national ICT policies, even without formal invitations.
The NCS president commended the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for consistently consulting professional bodies on technology-related initiatives.
He, however, urged the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy to strengthen collaboration with recognised ICT professional organisations.
On insecurity, Aliyu advised the government to leverage existing digital technologies to improve intelligence gathering and support security operations.
According to him, effective deployment of technology will enhance the capacity of security agencies to combat kidnapping, banditry and other crimes.
He, however, acknowledged that agencies possessed operational information unavailable to the public, making some security decisions more complex than they appeared.
GIK/APA