IT World • Created February 3, 2014 04:00

FG launches open data initiative

The initiative is a consultative and inclusive process that will open up high value datasets from across government ministries to Nigerian citizens for free, the Ministry of Communication Technology has said.The take off of this project makes Nigeria the world’s first federal open data initiative.The Nigerian Federal Open Data Initiative is supported by the World […]

FG launches open data initiative
FG launches open data initiative

The initiative is a consultative and inclusive process that will open up high value datasets from across government ministries to Nigerian citizens for free, the Ministry of Communication Technology has said.
The take off of this project makes Nigeria the world’s first federal open data initiative.
The Nigerian Federal Open Data Initiative is supported by the World Bank, the International Centre for Journalists (ICFJ), the African Media Initiative (AMI) and the British Department for International Development (DFID).
It is aimed at highlighting the potential efficiency, innovations and public value that can be achieved when government uses technology to open its data.
The Minister of Communication Technology, Mrs Omobola Johnson, in her remarks at the launching of the project in Abuja last week, said, “Data is becoming increasingly important in all aspects of our life. When analysed and presented in an intelligent format, data is essential to making informed decisions that produce value. The essence of publishing non-sensitive government data online is to deliver value-adding insights that benefit citizens.
“We would like to ensure that our Open Data initiative is driven by demand. We will be guided by the practical needs of Nigerians to ensure that Open Data fuels innovation and grows the Nigerian economy.”
Mrs Johnson said the launch of the initiative was heralded by an Open Data Stakeholder Engagement Workshop that brought together more than 120 representatives from across ministries and agencies, and the private and non-profit sectors to identify priorities and actions to inform the implementation of the Nigeria Federal Open Data.

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