Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has very important roles to play in our country, to…
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA): Brief History, Functions And Salary Structures
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is a government agency in Nigeria that is responsible for the development, regulation and promotion of Information Technology (IT) in the country.
In this article, we shall look at NITDA since its inception, functions and salary structures for its numerous staff across Nigeria.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) was established in April 2001 with a mandate to develop and regulate information technology (IT) in Nigeria. It was created as a response to the need for a comprehensive national policy for IT development and regulation in Nigeria.
NITDA is under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy and operates under the auspices of the National Information Technology Development Act 2007. The agency is responsible for the development and promotion of IT policies, standards, guidelines, and frameworks for the sustainable development of the Nigerian IT industry.
Functions of NITDA
NITDA performs various important function, some of which are:
- IT Policy Development and Implementation: NITDA is responsible for the development and implementation of policies, strategies and plans for the growth and development of IT in Nigeria.
- Capacity Building and Training: NITDA provides training and capacity building programmes to individuals, public and private organizations to enhance their IT knowledge and skills.
- IT Infrastructure Development: NITDA is involved in the development and deployment of IT infrastructure across Nigeria. This includes the provision of broadband internet access, the establishment of data centers, and the development of software and hardware infrastructure.
- IT Standards and Regulations: NITDA sets and enforces IT standards and regulations in Nigeria to ensure that IT products and services meet international best practices.
- E-Government Development: NITDA is responsible for the development of e-government initiatives and the deployment of e-government services to facilitate better public service delivery.
- IT Innovation and Entrepreneurship Promotion: NITDA promotes innovation and entrepreneurship in the IT industry through the provision of funding, mentorship, and other forms of support for IT start-ups and entrepreneurs.
NITDA Salary Structures For Its Staff
Staff of NITDA are well paid, depending on their level, qualifications, and years of experience. Like most government agencies, NITDA operates a salary structure based on the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPASS).
The salaries and allowances for NITDA staff are determined by the National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission, which is responsible for determining the salaries and allowances of all federal public servants in Nigeria. The salary scale for NITDA staff is similar to that of other federal agencies in Nigeria.
For instance, NITDA entry-level salary for a Graduate Assistant on Level 08 Step 01 is around ₦1,073,217 per annum.
A Director on Level 17 Step 09 earns as much as ₦4,183,600 per annum, an indication that workers with SON are well paid and jobs are secured.
In addition, NITDA offers various benefits to its employees, including health insurance, pensions, bonuses, hazard allowances and other incentives, subject to periodic reviews and adjustments in the salary structure, an indication that the salary levels in NITDA can change over time.
In summary, NITDA plays a crucial role in the development and promotion of IT in Nigeria, contributing immensely to the country’s socio-economic growth and development.
