NITDA to Build Websites for All 774 Nigerian Local Governments to Improve Transparency

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has announced plans to build websites for all 774 local government councils across Nigeria. The initiative is part of the agency’s efforts to promote transparency, openness, and citizen participation at the grassroots level.

NITDA’s Director-General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Abuja. He said the project would ensure that local governments have a digital presence that allows citizens to access verified information and monitor public projects.

According to Abdullahi, only a few local governments currently operate functional websites, which limits public access to information on government spending and activities. “Only about ten local governments in the country have a functional website. That is not acceptable in today’s digital world,” he said.

The initiative aligns with NITDA’s broader mandate to implement the Nigeria Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) and its ongoing efforts to standardize digital infrastructure across public institutions.

Improving Access and Accountability

NITDA said the new websites will be developed in line with its Standards and Guidelines for Government Websites framework, which defines the structure, content, and management practices required for all government web platforms.

Each local government website is expected to host key information, including project updates, budget details, contact information, and community engagement channels. The goal is to make local governance more transparent and to provide citizens with easier access to public information.

Abdullahi explained that the websites would also support inter-agency collaboration and compliance with national IT standards. He added that NITDA is working closely with anti-corruption and regulatory bodies to ensure the initiative meets ethical and transparency requirements.

Collaboration With ICPC

During the meeting, the ICPC Chairman, Dr. Musa Aliyu, commended NITDA for the initiative and pledged the Commission’s support in ensuring compliance with IT standards across government projects.

The collaboration aims to strengthen oversight on digital initiatives and enhance transparency at all levels of government. The ICPC also highlighted that the absence of functional websites across local councils has hindered public access to vital governance information.

Both agencies agreed to establish a framework for monitoring, evaluation, and enforcement to ensure that all local government websites remain active and regularly updated.

Next Steps

NITDA said the project would be implemented in phases, beginning with a pilot rollout before full-scale deployment across all 774 local government areas. The agency is also reviewing existing IT clearance procedures to streamline approvals and enforce compliance with national digital standards.

The initiative complements ongoing national programs such as the Project 774 LG Connectivity, which aims to connect all local government secretariats to the internet and strengthen Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.