LAGOS: The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Senator Bala Mohammed, has urged the National Council on Communication Technology (NCCT) to use ICT policies to boost national development. He made this statement at Abuja during the inaugural meeting of the NCCT under the Ministry of Communication Technology. The minister said there are a number of examples around the world that shows how ICT policies and strategies are used in developing the nation. “ICT and especially mobile technology is being used in rural phone networks, telemedicine, small business development, market trading and farming, humanitarian aid and community services. I am sure that the NCCT will embed their ICT policies across wider strategies and program in Nigeria and in all aspects of our national life,” he said. Omobola Johnson, the Minister of Communication Technology stated that the implementation of government policies in the ICT sector would have a direct impact on the three tiers of government. She stressed the importance of constituting the NCCT to ensure a holistic decision-making process in the sector. Explaining the role of the NCCT, Johnson said, “The council shall become the common platform for planning and coordinating all program and activities in information communication technology geared towards a robust private sector participation in ICT development both at federal, states and local government levels.” She noted that it is imperative to harmonize the policies in the ICT sector which were initially disparate.
