The Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dasuki Arabi, has advised the National Office for Technology Acquisition and Promotion (NOTAP) to utilize digital technology in creating prosperity for Nigerians.

Arabi gave the advice while presenting the BPSR Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) report on NOTAP, in Abuja on Thursday.

He said that though the agency had performed well, it should develop an agenda to promote economic growth through technological advancement and global competitiveness, in line with the vision of President Bola Tinubu.

“As an agency of government charged with the responsibility to promote locally generated technologies and Intellectual Property, it is imperative for NOTAP to start moving intentionally with the identified priority areas for action planning which the report has succinctly documented.

“As Bureau, we are willing to collaborate with NOTAP to sustain its achievements, support areas where work is in progress and chart a course for improvement where performance is weak.’’

He said that at the end of the assessment, NOTAP secured 74.25%, meaning that its performance consistently met expectations in all essential areas of responsibility.

“The quality of work is generally good and the most critical organizational goals have been met,’’ he added.

Arabi however said that there were some key areas the organization must focus on to effectively deliver its mandate.

These, he said, include developing Key Performance Indicators to be used at multiple levels to evaluate its success at reaching targets and achieving key business objectives.

“Develop a Stakeholders’ Engagement and Communication Strategy to effectively communicate NOTAP’s vision, mission and strategic objectives to all stakeholders, including staff.’’

He added that NOTAP should have an Insurance Policy to protect its assets, and comply with all the relevant provisions of the Public Procurement Act, including keying into the e-Procurement Policy of the Federal Government.

Arabi said the organization should also publish its annual procurement plan and general procurement notice on its website, and protect its data from unauthorized access.

“As a matter of priority and urgency, conduct a training programme on the PPA, 2007 for all NOTAP staff to enhance their knowledge and skill on public procurement procedure.

“Embrace the concept of value-for-money audit and integrate it into the organization work plan.

“In order to ensure efficient, cost effective and sustainable maintenance of buildings, vehicles and office furniture and equipment, NOTAP should facilitate the regular evaluation of the state of its infrastructure.

“Develop a Human Resource Management policy and consistently apply it for the recruitment, career development, promotion, remuneration, rewards and assignment of managerial functions.’’

Responding, Dr DanAzumi Ibrahim, NOTAP Director-General, appreciated the bureau for promoting reforms in public service.

He said they would continue to ensure proper monitoring and evaluation, so as not to compromise standard.

“Before a company comes to register for the first time in the country for business, we embark on pre-registration visit to determine the company’s physical presence, this has curbed many sharp practices.

” Between 2012 to 2022 ,the agency saved over N140 billion which would have left for country as capital flight,” he added.

The D-G said NOTAP would push for more linkages with academics and industries to create a stronger synergy.

He said that Nigeria has the capacity to develop more than 90 per cent of technologies imported into the country.

NOTAP is responsible for monitoring, regulating, and facilitating the inflow of foreign technology in Nigeria.(NAN)