National information technology policy in Nigeria: prospects, challenges and a framework for implementation

Abstract

The paper highlights the crucial role of information technology (IT) in development globally and the need for countervailing policies to regulate IT. The Nigerian Government's initiatives in the IT sector especially the formulation of an IT policy in 2001 was presented. An overview and review of Nigeria's National Information Technology Policy and the efforts of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the policy's implementation organ, towards implementation, followed. The prospects and challenges of implementing the IT policy were later discussed. By way of recommendation, the paper suggested a framework for the successful implementation of the IT policy. It concludes by submitting that it is the responsibility of NITDA with the full backing of the Nigerian government, to transform the digital divide to digital opportunity for Nigerians and that the future and destiny of IT in Nigeria is bright provided the Government and NITDA work together and apply the recommendations suggested.

African Journal of Library, Archives and Information Science Vol. 16(1) 2006: 9-18