JACITAD applauds FG, CommTech on new ICT policy

JACITAD, with membership across all newspapers, magazine, online and key ICT media institutions, also expressed its willingness to partner stakeholders towards actualize the vision of the new policy.

 
Umbrella body of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) journalism in Nigeria the Joint Action Committee on Information and Communications Technology and Development (JACITAD) has commended the Federal Government for the approval of the new National ICT Policy, saying it will go together with the national economic growth aspirations of President Goodluck Jonathan.

Disclosing its disposition on the national issue, the President, JACITAD, Mr. Shina Badaru, described the news of the approval of new ICT policy as ‘encouraging’ and represents the administration's commitments to leverage ICTs for overall national growth and economic development.

As said by him, key highlight of the new policy thrust is the pursuit of true convergence based on the proposed merger of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the industry regulator for telecommunications and its counterpart in the broadcasting industry, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).

He said, JACITAD is very encouraged by the plan to merge the NCC and NBC as it reflected increasing industry advocacy for Nigeria to pursue strategic policy thrust on convergence of regulatory functions, roles and responsibilities.

Under the plan, the infrastructure and frequency held by NBC will now be merged with that available to NCC, which is envisioned to become a converged regulator for the sector, whereas NBC will subsequently be saddled with the responsibility of regulating broadcast content.

With the new National ICT Policy, the group said, Nigeria has defined a new roadmap for its aspiration to be a key player in a connected global economy and fast-paced globalisation, while also showing that government has heeded industry advocacy that promotes true convergence running the entire gamut of her policies and across regulatory institutions.

He recalled that the Ministry of Communication Technology had hinted that the National ICT Policy was developed to complement the development goals of Nigeria's Vision 20:2020, centred on making Nigeria, a knowledge-based and globally competitive society.

"Our commendation also goes to Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs. Omobola Johnson, for painstakingly pursuing the formulation of the new National ICT Policy within record time following her appointment by President Goodluck Jonathan on July 17, 2011," Badaru said.

The Minister had on August 25, 2011 set up an Ad-hoc Committee to harmonise all existing Policies for the different sectors in ICT including Telecommunications, Information Technology, Broadcasting and Postal Services.

The Committee reviewed the National Telecommunication Policy 2000, Draft Communications Policy 2011, Nigerian Postal Service Act 2004, National Broadcasting Commission Act 1992 (as amended), National Information Technology Development Agency Act 2007, National Outsourcing and Institutional Framework for Nigeria (Jan. 2007), National Policy for Information Technology, Report of Presidential Committee on Master Plan and Roadmap for the Implementation of Information and Communication Technology for National Development (Sept. 2010) and Nigerian Communications Act 2003, among other documents.

The new National Executive of JACITAD which was elected into office in February 2012 reiterated commitment to promoting developmental journalism under which it will partner with diverse industry stakeholders to promote growth and development in the Nigerian ICT sector. 

 
The national executive board of JACITAD includes President, Mr Shina Badaru; Vice President, Mr Remmy Nweke; Secretary-General, Miss Francisca Nnanna and Assistant Secretary-General, Mr Kunle Azeez. Others include Welfare Officer, Mrs. Florence Onuegbu; Financial Secretary, Mr Lucas Ajanaku; Chief Whip, Mr Emma Elebeke; Treasurer, Miss Bukola Afolabi and Assistant Treasurer, Miss Adline Atili.
 
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