By Abubakar Muhammad (9NEWS NIGERIA, NORTHEST)
Borno State Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (BICTDA) has appeared before the state House of Assembly committee to defend their budgetary allocations in the 2025 budget.
Engr. Mohammed Ahmed Kabir Wanori, Executive Secretary of the agency led members of his team to the program.
The event, which took place on Tuesday at the Conference Hall, Ministry of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement (RRR), Maiduguri, was chaired by the committee chairman, Alhaji Ali Kotoko.
While presentating the agency’s proposed budget, Wanori emphasized on its alignment with the state governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum’s Ten Pact Agenda and the Borno State 25-Year Development Plan.
He highlighted key areas of focus, including, expansion of digital literacy programs, infrastructural upgrades and the integration of technology to improve governance and service delivery across the state.
Other areas, he said are development of smart city initiatives and the enhancement of cybersecurity measures.
While expressing gratitude to the committee for its support, Engr. Wanori assured them of BICTDA’s commitment to delivering on its mandates.
“This budget proposal reflects our dedication to harnessing technology for the socio-economic development of Borno State. We are committed to working closely with stakeholders to ensure effective implementation,” he said.
In his response, Kotoko, commended BICTDA for its efforts and stressed the importance of ICT in driving sustainable development in Borno.
“ICT is a critical enabler of economic growth, job creation, and improved governance. We applaud BICTDA’s initiatives and commitment to transforming Borno State into a digitally driven economy,” he said.
Similarly, other committee members also shower praises on the agency’s successes so far.
They said that the agency’s innovative approaches to addressing the state’s development challenges and collaboration with stakeholders to ensure effective implementation are commendable.
Capacity building and skills development by BICTDa, the committee noted are important factors that would drive effective and sustainable development.
The committee also encouraged BICTDA to strengthen partnerships with the private sector and explore opportunities for international collaboration.
Other important areas, the committee emphasized are development of strategies for sustainable funding and the enhancement of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms in the agency.
The session ended with a resolution to support BICTDA’s initiatives and allocate necessary resources for the successful execution of its programs and objectives.
