By Seun Adams
The Federal Government through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has drawn the attention of civil servants
and public institutions on the need for them to adhere strictly with NITDA framework and guidelines on the use of social media platforms for public institutions.
The framework and guideline, according to the DG of NITDA, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, were signed into law since January 2019.
Dr. Pantami, said the framework and guidelines were issued with the aim of providing guidance on the use of social media within the public institutions’ communications environment in order to improve government transparency, participation and interaction with the general public.
This, he added, has become necessary as the agency’s compliance monitoring activity revealed that some public officials use personal accounts for official communication.
The DG, said: “We further note that where official accounts are used, some public officials, upon expiration of their tenure or retirement, fail to release such accounts.
“These actions are in violation of the provisions of the framework and guidelines which requires public officials not to use personal social media accounts for official engagements and also to establish appropriate account handover processes including the need for change of password(s) upon leaving office.
“It should be noted that all official social media accounts of public officials in their official capacity are the property of government and must be handed over appropriately.”
The agency, Pantami said advises public officials to take appropriate measures at ensuring that they comply with all the provisions of the regulation within 14 days of this release to avoid being sanctioned.
Public institutions and the general public are further advised to acquaint themselves with NITDA’s regulatory instruments, available on the agency’s website: www.nitda.gov.ng.
It should be noted that violation of the regulatory instruments of NITDA is a criminal offence, which is punishable with a fine, imprisonment or both.