Information technology policy formulation in Nigeria: Answers without questions

Nigeria developed a national policy for information technology (IT), which is a general policy for the development of IT (or more broadly, information and communication technologies (ICTs)) in Nigeria. It was formulated by the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology and published in March 2001. The policy represents the perceptions of the Federal Government of Nigeria of what ICTs are, what they do and can do, how they can be developed and applied, and the time frame within which to achieve ICT capability in Nigeria. This paper analyzes the Nigerian national information policy for IT and the process of its formulation within this context. It concludes that many of the specific questions raised in the discussion were not considered in the policy formulation process under discussion. The questions, or at least most of them, raised in this discussion remain valid and continue to beg for answers, irrespective of any success or failure that may be attributed to the existence or operation of the policy.