By Collins Yakubu-Hammer, News Agency of Nigeria, Abuja.
The Director-General of Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr Abdullahi Mustapha, says building the capacity of its staff is to enhance digital transformation and meet up with best global practices.
Mustapha said this at a 3-day capacity building programme for the transformation and upgrading of information processing techniques in the Commission on Tuesday in Abuja.
He said that the commission was established as a centre for gathering and dissemination of information relating to national policy in the field of energy development.
“It is therefore necessary to establish adequate and advanced ICT platforms including websites, portals, Local Area Networks (LAN), internet connectivity, and procurement of advanced personal computers.
“The fast-growing technological advancement in the 21st century requires frequent upgrade of software and hardware as well as training of staff in order to catch up with advancement.
“Also, in this era of information explosion, the technology of yesterday is not enough to compete with available technologies of today.
“This was the reason the Federal Government started the e-government Project and the integration of all Ministries, Departments and Agencies into the Digital Literacy Programme through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mustapha said.
He noted that the development would further accelerate the efficiency of service delivery in all MDAs as well as the digital transformation dream of the government.
He said that the commission carries out information dissemination through email, website and its LAN.
The ECN D-G added that the platforms must be strengthened to achieve the mandate of the commission.
“Digital transformation requires regular power supply, upgraded physical IT Infrastructure, software solutions, expanded internet access, and intensive training of staff to measure up with the rapid advancement in IT technologies.
“The commission has fulfilled her part by providing these basic necessities for effective digital transformation at this stage and we are now capping it up with this capacity building programme.
“We are building the capacity of our ICT staff and some selected categories of staff from other departments in the commission to equip them as IT Champions,” he said.
Mustapha encouraged participants to actively engage, share experience and forge partnerships that would contribute to the success of digital transformation and achievements of the ECN mandate.
Also speaking, the Director of ICT in the Commission, Mr Stephen Adedayo, commended Mustapha for graciously supporting the acquisition of advanced ICT Products.
“This has now been accompanied by a necessary training for the ECN staff to upgrade their knowledge.
“This capacity building programme was carefully designed to strengthen the commission’s digital transformation capabilities and enhance operational efficiency in line with our mandate.
“The importance of efficient information dissemination in modern times underscores the need for a functional and responsive website capable of providing real time updates on ECN activities as well as regular information on the energy sector.
“The sustainability of any digital transformation effort depends on key factors such as technology availability, manpower capacity, internet accessibility, stable power supply and effective administration,” Adedayo said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adedayo was represented at the event by Felix Olu, a senior staff in the ICT sector.
The high point of the programme was the unveiling of the New Information Processing Technologies and Facilities and the demonstration of the features of new ECN’s website.
NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA