By ‘Dotun Akintomide
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, has explained how his office spent N64 million to relaunch the federal government website — www.osgf.gov.ng.
Reacting to a question on the amount spent on the website Monday, Mustapha estimated the upgrading cost to include procurement of laptops, training of officials and consultancy services.
He said the cost had been captured in the 2017 budget, where N65million was initially allocated for it.
He said in accordance with the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, government officials had no right to hide information from Nigerians, provided such information does not fall under classified document.
“We are not in a position to hide information from people except they are classified information, this is in our commitment to have and to run an open government system.
“There was a contract in 2017. The figure is in public domain. It is about N64million including procurement of laptops, training, consultancy services.
“The contract was awarded by the Bureau of Public Procurement in accordance with the Procurement Act,” Mustapha said when questions were thrown to him regarding the cost of the upgrade.
The SGF explained that the idea behind the website was to create a functional platform that will deliver information and policy thrust of the present administration.
He also noted that the website was mooted in accordance with the executive order 001, necessary to drive investment and development worldwide.
He described the revamped e-participation platform as the major achievement of the new website.
Through the platform, members of the public could request for information from government, submit ideas, and lodge complaints.
