The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has raised the alarm over a troubling trend in Nigeria’s public sector—56% of government IT projects are failing to meet their objectives. These failures not only waste scarce public resources but also hamper the nation’s drive toward a digitally enabled economy.
Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, says the problem stems from poor planning, fragmented execution, and a tendency among agencies to adopt technologies without first evaluating their real-world value. In many cases, IT systems are implemented without considering compatibility with existing infrastructure or the actual needs of end users.
To tackle this issue, NITDA has rolled out a revised IT Project Clearance framework. This new model enforces a phased approach to project execution, including Solution Design, Implementation, and Quality Assurance. It mandates that certified IT professionals oversee each phase to ensure accountability and reduce wastage.
Additionally, the Bureau of Public Procurement has partnered with NITDA to prevent the misuse of IT contracts as vehicles for corrupt practices. Together, these reforms aim to strengthen transparency and ensure Nigeria’s digital investments deliver tangible results.
