Evaluation of Sectoral Implementation of the Nigerian National IT Policy

Abstract

The Nigerian National IT policy (USE IT) was formulated in March 2001 with sixteen sectoral application areas and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) was established as the implementation agency. Out of these sixteen sectoral applications, this study sought to determine the extent of implementation of t he policy in six sectors - health, agriculture, urban and rural development, arts, culture and tourism, national security and law enforcement as well as research and development. Ministries and agencies relevant to each sector were studied and the extent of implementation of the IT policy was evaluated. The study also assessed the newly drafted national ICT Policy to determine whether areas in the current national 11 policy that are yet to be satisfactorily implemented have been taken care of. The implementation of the national 11 policy in health, agriculture, Nigeria Police Force as well as in the research and development sector was adjudged very satisfactory, that of urban and rural development and Nigeria Immigration Service was seen as average; while it was adjudged unsatisfactory in Arts. Culture and Tourism sector. A review of the newly drafted national ICT policy revealed that some of the identified gaps in the current national IT policy had been incorporated to some extent while recommendations were made tor the other areas.