RE: FG’s websites inactive despite gulping billions

The attention of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation has been drawn to your story with the above headline in the Daily Trust of Monday, March 12, 2018. It is noteworthy that a sizeable number of MDAs have functional and “regularly updated websites.” While not attempting to offer an excuse for inactive websites, it is important to take cognisance of the general constraints regarding internet penetration, uninterrupted power supply and requisite skills to attain the desired web information management in the public service.

For purposes of clarification, ICT deployment in MDAs is highly dynamic and constantly in need of upgrading to bringing them into conformity with new systems and emerging trends. With specific reference to the website of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) the existing website is undergoing redesign and upgrading to bring it in conformity with modern technology and requirements of the OSGF. Specifically, the need to effectively play its roles in the implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, the various Executive Orders and the Civil Service Strategy 2017 to 2020 are critical. Please note that the OSGF has six expansive offices with six Permanent Secretaries, putting it at par with six Ministries.

The OSGF is a critical hub of government that maintains a very high sense of accountability and transparency in all its transactions. The new website will further strengthen this core value as it will be built on the newest web technologies language, will be secured, fully managed locally, and hosted on a dedicated server. A new server infrastructure will be installed.

The consultants to the project will in addition train not less than 50 officers across various cadres that will facilitate timely updates and ensure robust content management system. Other components include new home and adjoining pages, HTML, CSS, Javascript compliance, and providing annual technical service support; acquisition of various high end systems including deployment of DL380 GEN9 E%-2629V4 US server, 2x1TB SATA – HPE Part#867448-S01; HP All-in one Desktops/ Intel Processor/8GB RAM/500GB HDD/17” Screen/Windows 10; Training of web masters and web content Providers; Apple MacBook 2.7GHz, Corei7, 16GB RAM, 512SSD, 15.4” Display, Retina Display, Radeon Pro 560 with 4GB memory, etc..

The award of the contract for the web site followed the pre-requisites of the Public Procurement Act 2007, before it was awarded on October 17, 2017. To date, not a single kobo or naira has been paid to the consultant. The emphasis of the OSGF under the leadership of Boss Mustapha on value for money and judicious application of public resources will never be vitiated for any reason.

It is expected that the new website will meet the expectations of a highly sophisticated, dynamic, online-savvy mediaconsuming public. This is in line with the civil service reforms strategy which calls for greater openness, transparency, and public responsiveness in Government agencies.

Accordingly, the new website when completed in a few weeks will include more windows, platforms, and links to various agencies to enable interested persons in the business of government from around the globe to interact more easily with government organizations and officials, provide an effective management information system and enhance public participation and ownership of government programmes and policies.

Most importantly, we wish to clarify unequivocally that funds allocated for the project remain intact under the 2017 budget until the project is completed. It is to be reiterated again; to date, not a single kobo or naira has been paid to the consultant.

We should be very obliged if you could publish this clarification, to erase any insinuation that it might have created on issues of transparency and accountability. Lawrence Ojabo is Director of Information, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation