Why FCT Needs a Secretariat for Information and Communications

In the rapidly evolving landscape of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the establishment of a Secretariat for Information and Communications has become a necessity for the Administration to effectively manage its information and communication processes.

The recent restructuring of the FCT Administration with the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission has brought to the forefront the importance of a robust information management architecture.

This is crucial for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of governance in the FCT, especially as the city continues to grow and develop.

In a modern city like the FCT, the role of information management in governance cannot be overemphasized.

It touches on all aspects of human activity, including medicine, economics, the environment, engineering, social welfare, and more.

The current information framework in the FCT, however, is not well positioned to generate the desired outcomes due to underrepresentation at the National Council of Information and the lack of a Secretariat at the FCT Executive Council level.

Establishing a Secretariat of Information and Communications would address these challenges by streamlining coordination, ensuring accurate and timely information dissemination, effective public sensitization, and support for developmental initiatives.

It would also play a crucial role in guiding behavioral change among residents, addressing crises, and modernizing the interface with the public through technology.

The establishment of a Secretariat of Information and Communications would also be a strategic move in the context of rapid urbanization.

It would support data-driven urban planning, citizen engagement, infrastructure management, digital governance, public health and safety initiatives, environmental sustainability efforts, economic development, community empowerment, and social inclusion.

Moreover, the creation of a Secretariat and its directorates would have significant benefits for career progression and professional development within the FCT Administration.

It would allow for the cultivation of expertise in various areas of information management and communications, building a cadre of skilled professionals dedicated to advancing the FCT.

The FCT Administration, under the leadership of Nyemsom Wike, already has the essential components required to effectively establish a Secretariat of Information and Communications.

The establishment of such a Secretariat is not just about emulating the structures found in states; it is about recognizing and acting upon the fundamental importance of information management in modern governance.

It would serve as a vital organ of the FCT Administration, one that breathes life into its policies and initiatives through effective communication.