News
IIM Annual Lecture To Address Transparency, Accountability & Good Governance
The Institute of Information Management (IIM) 2016 annual lecture has been slated to address the place of data harmonisation to entrench transparency, accountability and good governance in the Country.
The Institute has also announced plans to honour different stakeholders in Nigeria and other parts of the world including past and present public office holders, captains of industries including leaders across the various sectors of the economy during the annual lecture, Induction & Award ceremony with the theme: “Leveraging On Proper Information Management As Basis For Promoting Transparency, Accountability and Good Governance In Nigeria”.
Speaking on the annual programme, Dr. Oyedokun Oyewole, president /chairman Governing Council Institute of Information Management (IIM) Africa, said that in view of the several challenges the Federal Government of Nigeria is faced with today coupled with the massive amounts of data that they must process, harmonised and integrated in order to meet mission requirements and deliver relevant, consistent, and current information to other government entities and the constituents they serve, there can’t be a better time for this all important annual lecture than now.
Oyewole, said that accountable governance, the fight against corruption, and improved service delivery depend upon the availability of good quality information about decisions and actions.
According to him, poor quality data, information and records will lead to missed opportunities to maximize the full value of publicly funded projects and programs.
“The recent drive by the present administration to fight corruption, promote transparency and good governance can only succeed if government have unhindered access to quality information.
“It is obvious from recent happenings in government that Nigeria as a nation is yet to have fully control over the records and information being generated, used and transmitted by the government, as government struggle to manage their public records in accordance with international good practice standards. Most often, basic records and information management controls are not in place.
“Without these controls, records are likely to be incomplete, difficult to locate and authenticated. Where they exist, they can be easily manipulated, deleted, fragmented or lost,” he said.
The President / Chairman Governing Council, IIM-Afruca added that poorly kept records, resulting in inaccurate or incomplete data, can lead to misunderstanding and misuse of information; cover-up of fraud; skewed findings and statistics; misguided policy recommendations and misplaced funding, all with serious consequences for poverty reduction and economic development.
“Managing public sector records as a basis for accountability, transparency and good governance is a systemic issue rather than an issue relating to any particular records type. A reliable and accessible evidence base is vital for all aspects of open government, particularly the right to information and open data, which are dependent upon the ability to access reliable records and information. Records management will not in itself achieve transparency, but without it, transparency is not possible.
“Every public sector policy maker, auditor, court official and fraud investigator knows the importance of being able to find, use and trust official records as evidence of policies, actions, transactions, expenditure, precedents, rights and entitlements.
“Most citizens know how important it is to have proof of their rights, for instance land rights or rights in court. And yet, in many government entities, records are difficult to locate and to trust”, he said.
Records, as defined in international standards, are any ‘information created, received, and maintained as evidence and as an asset by an organization or person, in pursuit of legal obligations or in the transaction of business. They may be in any medium, form, or format’ (ISO, 2011).
“It is increasingly important to link together all of the official information required as records, whether it is entered directly in a database, maintained as a digital record or kept on a paper file.
“Well-managed records and information provide clear and durable evidence of what the government has promised, what it has done, what services it has provided and how it has spent public funds. Weak records controls result in an ad hoc, potentially misleading national evidence base that opens opportunities for manipulation, corruption and fraud; weakens citizens’ ability to claim fair rights and entitlements; undermines the ability to plan and monitor policies and services; and makes it difficult to open records and information effectively.
”The quality of the records and information, especially new forms of digital records, depends on the strength of the control regime, including laws, policies, practices, structures, and skills as developed through professional collaboration between government and professional institutions like the Institute of Information Management which would eventually engender quality records management standards in government,” he explained.
Dr. Oyewole said that as digital information systems replace paper-based systems, it is essential that records in digital form are capable of providing the evidence upon which governments and citizens depend.
He said that inaccurate or incomplete records can result in misleading data that can reduce trust in the government.
“In developing records and information management commitments, government should clearly state how records and information management will serve to make government more transparent. Introducing a records control regime or upgrading systems to streamline procedures without actually making information available to the public does not make governments more transparent. Government should be committed to increasing transparency and access to information, and should therefore ensure appropriate powers, resources and enforcement procedures are in place to facilitate data and information sharing amongst various government agencies.
Without good quality records, which, in turn are the result of well-functioning records and information management systems, governments can find it difficult to operate efficiently, to prevent fraud and corruption, or to protect their citizen.
“The availability of trustworthy records is, therefore, an essential foundation of the systems designed to deliver good governance and services to citizens leading to positive development outcomes. If records and information management systems do not function properly, neither can these other systems”.
Aside the Lectures, the event will also feature the conferment of the Institute of Information Management (IIM) Fellowship on individuals who have made substantial contribution to the development of the Information Management and Technology profession, its practices or the Institute of Information Management itself and Honorary Fellows on other professionals with backgrounds outside of Information Management field but are identified as having made significant contributions that impact on the profession and the society or the Institute of Information Management.
Dignitaries expected to be honoured at the event include The Honorable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), The Ooni of Ife (Royal Father of the Day), Bernadette Bosse – Chairman and CEO of the Board, Certified Document Management Association, Canada, Engr. Aliyu Aziz Abubakar, Director General, National Identity Commission (NIMC), Abuja, Prof. Ibrahim Garba – Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Peter D Komarkowski – President Data Protection Association, USA, ACM Nsebong Charles Akpabio – Assistant Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps Zonal Commanding Officer, FRSC Zone 2 Command, Headquarters Lagos as well as many other MDs and CEOs of major Institutions, Information Management and Technology firms among others.
Other categories of inductees include Graduate, Associate, Professional, Senior Professional and Corporate.
Special awards will also be presented to individuals and organisations who have performed credible well in the industry.
The Institute of Information Management (IIM) is the premiere professional membership driven Institute in Nigeria and Africa, approved by the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) with the consent of the Attorney General of the Federation serving the emerging field of Records, Information, Archives, Data, Security, and Document Management Professionals, with partnership and affiliation with different international organizations like the Information and Records Management Society (IRMS), UK, Professional Evaluation and Certification Board (PECB), Canada, Online Business School UK, The International Association of Privacy Professionals, The International Records Management Trust UK, Information Requirements Clearinghouse USA, Information Governance Conference USA, Tribal Group, Information Matters etc.
The Institute of Information Management is strategically positioned to help government and professionals in both public and private organizations in Nigeria and Africa to develop the required frameworks, tools and culture needed to build capacity by improving professionalism in this essential field, as required in various disciplines including finance, administration, engineering, construction, project management, procurement, IT, communications etc.
Sound policy, clear standards, competence, certification, research and effective processes are all aspects of first-class information management programs that the Institute of Information Management unique faculties has got to deliver through our various learning and professional development programs, aimed at empowering information management professionals globally.
Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) has vowed to clamp down on courier companies found to be aiding the trafficking of drugs and other illicit items through the country’s logistics network.
In a statement issued on by Franklin Alao, director of Corporate Communications, NIPOST expressed outrage over a recent report in some newspapers with the headline: “Nigerian courier services easily transporting hard drugs since Tinubu became president – NIPOST.”
The agency described the headline as false, misleading, and damaging to national security efforts. According to NIPOST, the article falsely attributes the claim to the postal regulator, thereby creating the impression that the agency had endorsed or confirmed such allegations.
“This is categorically FALSE,” the statement said. “At no point has NIPOST made such a statement or associated these activities with the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
NIPOST maintained that while it respects the role of the media in promoting accountability and transparency, the publication in question was reckless and sensational.
It warned that inaccurate reporting on sensitive national issues like drug trafficking not only misinforms the public but also undermines the collaborative work being done to sanitise the courier and logistics sector.
Restating its position, the agency said it strongly condemns the use of courier services for criminal purposes, including drug trafficking.
It reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy toward the misuse of Nigeria’s postal infrastructure and said it remained committed to regulating the sector with integrity, transparency, and accountability.
NIPOST noted that it had embarked on a range of interventions aimed at improving surveillance and enforcement across the logistics industry.
It stated that all courier operators are currently undergoing a revalidation process and that Know-Your-Customer protocols and compliance audits are being enforced to tighten controls and prevent abuse of the system.
The postal regulator said it is also working closely with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Customs Service, and other relevant security institutions to investigate and deter the use of logistics channels for the transportation of narcotics and other contraband items.
In addition, NIPOST said it had intensified engagement with courier operators, transport unions, and logistics associations to promote sector-wide vigilance and encourage the reporting of suspicious packages.
It also revealed that a new Digital Postcode and Parcel Identification System is being deployed nationwide to enhance traceability, eliminate anonymity, and improve parcel screening from the point of dispatch to final delivery.
“The Nigerian Postal Service is fully committed to restoring the integrity of Nigeria’s courier and logistics industry,” the statement said. “Any operator found to be involved in criminal activity will face immediate regulatory sanctions, including license suspension or revocation, and be reported to appropriate authorities for prosecution.”
The agency urged members of the public to use only licensed courier companies and to report any suspicious activity either to NIPOST or relevant security agencies.
It also called on journalists and civil society groups to approach issues in the sector with accuracy, caution, and a shared sense of responsibility.
Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Homeland Protectors and Supplies Limited, a Saudi Arabia-based security company, to begin local manufacturing of drones, satellite systems, and advanced communication equipment.
The agreement, which was signed at DICON headquarters in Kaduna, will see Homeland Protectors bring in production lines and technology to Nigeria to manufacture satellite systems, laser equipment, border security drones, and sophisticated communications solutions.
Major General Babatunde Ibrahim Alaya, director general of DICON, shortly after signing the MoU, described the deal as a “major milestone” in Nigeria’s drive for defence self-sufficiency.
He said the collaboration would not only meet local demands but also position Nigeria as an exporter of security technology to other African countries.
According to him: “Today is another milestone for DICON. What Homeland Protectors is bringing on board is expertise and experience in the field of satellite, laser systems, communications, and border security drones.
The agreement we have just signed is for them to bring the production line to Nigeria and start producing here, so we can satisfy the defence industry requirements, other security agencies, and export the excess capacity to other African countries.”
He expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he called his “constant support and firm belief in DICON,” especially for signing the DICON Act 2023, which has now paved the way for international partnerships of this magnitude.
Alaya also thanked the Minister of Defence and Minister of State for Defence for their unwavering backing, stressing that their support made the joint venture possible.
Mr. Ali Hussain A. Aldayhani, managing director and chief executive officer, Homeland Protectors and Supplies, who led the Saudi delegation to Nigeria, hailed the partnership as a game-changer for Nigeria’s security architecture.
“I am in support of this amazing job today in collaboration with Homeland and DICON. This is in support of the Nigerian President and the Minister of Defence to bring security satellite communication technology to Nigeria,” he said.
He disclosed that the venture was designed not only to meet Nigeria’s internal needs but also to open up export opportunities to other markets, stressing: “We are going to have a huge joint venture and also for export outside Nigeria with regard to technology communication.”
The Homeland CEO thanked the DICON Director General for what he called “the support of the huge success in signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).”
He assured that this would not be the last of such engagements, promising more frequent visits and deeper collaborations in the near future.
With this move, Nigeria joins a select group of countries on the continent working to domesticate critical security manufacturing — a step expected to save foreign exchange, create jobs, and bolster national security.
Vice President Kashim Shettima has affirmed Nigeria’s unwavering stance against nuclear weapons testing.
He made this known during a meeting at the Presidential Villa with a delegation from the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO), led by Dr Robert Floyd, executive secretary.
According to Shettima, Nigeria, like many other African nations, is grappling with numerous socio-economic challenges, including widespread poverty and the adverse impacts of climate change.
He stressed that Africa’s immediate priority is to confront these existential threats, not to engage in the pursuit of nuclear weapons capability.
“The outcome of any nuclear conflict is never a win-win situation; it is always the opposite. We are fighting poverty; we are fighting a war against the relationship between the economy and ecology in sub-Saharan Africa. We have no business dabbling in anything that has to do with nuclear weapons,” he said.
The Vice President also commended CTBTO for its broader civilian contributions, such as detecting tsunamis and seismic volcanic activity, and for supporting global ecological stability.
NIPOST to Crack Down on Criminal Courier Operators
DICON, Saudi Firm to Produce Drones, Satellites in Nigeria
Secret Service Seizes $400M in Crypto, Cold Wallet among World’s Largest
FG Says No Going Back to Nuclear Testing
Nnamani, CEO Digital Realty Nigeria Bags Digital Economy Icon of the Year @ Digital Innovation Awards in Ghana
Telecom2 days agoY’ello Care’s 21-Day Campaign Bridges Digital Divide for Thousands Nationwide
General News2 days agoEnugu Air Commences Operations Today
E-Business2 days agoGalaxy Backbone, Rural Electrification Agency Commit to Deepening Digital and Energy Access Across Nigeria
Broadcasting2 days agoNDPC Slaps Multichoice with ₦766M Fine for Data Privacy Violations
News2 days agoLagos-Calabar Highway Gets $100M Push from ECOWAS to Drive Regional Growth
Telecom2 days ago20 Years of Digital Leadership: Layer3’s Legacy and the Road Ahead
News2 days agoNBS May Release Rebased Figures for Nigerian Economy July 11
Telecom23 hours agoNCC Wins Global ICT Award for Digital Awareness in Schools