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IIM Annual Lecture To Address Transparency, Accountability & Good Governance
The Institute of Information Management (IIM) 2016 annual lecture has been slated to address the place of data harmonisation to entrench transparency, accountability and good governance in the Country.
The Institute has also announced plans to honour different stakeholders in Nigeria and other parts of the world including past and present public office holders, captains of industries including leaders across the various sectors of the economy during the annual lecture, Induction & Award ceremony with the theme: “Leveraging On Proper Information Management As Basis For Promoting Transparency, Accountability and Good Governance In Nigeria”.
Speaking on the annual programme, Dr. Oyedokun Oyewole, president /chairman Governing Council Institute of Information Management (IIM) Africa, said that in view of the several challenges the Federal Government of Nigeria is faced with today coupled with the massive amounts of data that they must process, harmonised and integrated in order to meet mission requirements and deliver relevant, consistent, and current information to other government entities and the constituents they serve, there can’t be a better time for this all important annual lecture than now.
Oyewole, said that accountable governance, the fight against corruption, and improved service delivery depend upon the availability of good quality information about decisions and actions.
According to him, poor quality data, information and records will lead to missed opportunities to maximize the full value of publicly funded projects and programs.
“The recent drive by the present administration to fight corruption, promote transparency and good governance can only succeed if government have unhindered access to quality information.
“It is obvious from recent happenings in government that Nigeria as a nation is yet to have fully control over the records and information being generated, used and transmitted by the government, as government struggle to manage their public records in accordance with international good practice standards. Most often, basic records and information management controls are not in place.
“Without these controls, records are likely to be incomplete, difficult to locate and authenticated. Where they exist, they can be easily manipulated, deleted, fragmented or lost,” he said.
The President / Chairman Governing Council, IIM-Afruca added that poorly kept records, resulting in inaccurate or incomplete data, can lead to misunderstanding and misuse of information; cover-up of fraud; skewed findings and statistics; misguided policy recommendations and misplaced funding, all with serious consequences for poverty reduction and economic development.
“Managing public sector records as a basis for accountability, transparency and good governance is a systemic issue rather than an issue relating to any particular records type. A reliable and accessible evidence base is vital for all aspects of open government, particularly the right to information and open data, which are dependent upon the ability to access reliable records and information. Records management will not in itself achieve transparency, but without it, transparency is not possible.
“Every public sector policy maker, auditor, court official and fraud investigator knows the importance of being able to find, use and trust official records as evidence of policies, actions, transactions, expenditure, precedents, rights and entitlements.
“Most citizens know how important it is to have proof of their rights, for instance land rights or rights in court. And yet, in many government entities, records are difficult to locate and to trust”, he said.
Records, as defined in international standards, are any ‘information created, received, and maintained as evidence and as an asset by an organization or person, in pursuit of legal obligations or in the transaction of business. They may be in any medium, form, or format’ (ISO, 2011).
“It is increasingly important to link together all of the official information required as records, whether it is entered directly in a database, maintained as a digital record or kept on a paper file.
“Well-managed records and information provide clear and durable evidence of what the government has promised, what it has done, what services it has provided and how it has spent public funds. Weak records controls result in an ad hoc, potentially misleading national evidence base that opens opportunities for manipulation, corruption and fraud; weakens citizens’ ability to claim fair rights and entitlements; undermines the ability to plan and monitor policies and services; and makes it difficult to open records and information effectively.
”The quality of the records and information, especially new forms of digital records, depends on the strength of the control regime, including laws, policies, practices, structures, and skills as developed through professional collaboration between government and professional institutions like the Institute of Information Management which would eventually engender quality records management standards in government,” he explained.
Dr. Oyewole said that as digital information systems replace paper-based systems, it is essential that records in digital form are capable of providing the evidence upon which governments and citizens depend.
He said that inaccurate or incomplete records can result in misleading data that can reduce trust in the government.
“In developing records and information management commitments, government should clearly state how records and information management will serve to make government more transparent. Introducing a records control regime or upgrading systems to streamline procedures without actually making information available to the public does not make governments more transparent. Government should be committed to increasing transparency and access to information, and should therefore ensure appropriate powers, resources and enforcement procedures are in place to facilitate data and information sharing amongst various government agencies.
Without good quality records, which, in turn are the result of well-functioning records and information management systems, governments can find it difficult to operate efficiently, to prevent fraud and corruption, or to protect their citizen.
“The availability of trustworthy records is, therefore, an essential foundation of the systems designed to deliver good governance and services to citizens leading to positive development outcomes. If records and information management systems do not function properly, neither can these other systems”.
Aside the Lectures, the event will also feature the conferment of the Institute of Information Management (IIM) Fellowship on individuals who have made substantial contribution to the development of the Information Management and Technology profession, its practices or the Institute of Information Management itself and Honorary Fellows on other professionals with backgrounds outside of Information Management field but are identified as having made significant contributions that impact on the profession and the society or the Institute of Information Management.
Dignitaries expected to be honoured at the event include The Honorable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), The Ooni of Ife (Royal Father of the Day), Bernadette Bosse – Chairman and CEO of the Board, Certified Document Management Association, Canada, Engr. Aliyu Aziz Abubakar, Director General, National Identity Commission (NIMC), Abuja, Prof. Ibrahim Garba – Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Peter D Komarkowski – President Data Protection Association, USA, ACM Nsebong Charles Akpabio – Assistant Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps Zonal Commanding Officer, FRSC Zone 2 Command, Headquarters Lagos as well as many other MDs and CEOs of major Institutions, Information Management and Technology firms among others.
Other categories of inductees include Graduate, Associate, Professional, Senior Professional and Corporate.
Special awards will also be presented to individuals and organisations who have performed credible well in the industry.
The Institute of Information Management (IIM) is the premiere professional membership driven Institute in Nigeria and Africa, approved by the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) with the consent of the Attorney General of the Federation serving the emerging field of Records, Information, Archives, Data, Security, and Document Management Professionals, with partnership and affiliation with different international organizations like the Information and Records Management Society (IRMS), UK, Professional Evaluation and Certification Board (PECB), Canada, Online Business School UK, The International Association of Privacy Professionals, The International Records Management Trust UK, Information Requirements Clearinghouse USA, Information Governance Conference USA, Tribal Group, Information Matters etc.
The Institute of Information Management is strategically positioned to help government and professionals in both public and private organizations in Nigeria and Africa to develop the required frameworks, tools and culture needed to build capacity by improving professionalism in this essential field, as required in various disciplines including finance, administration, engineering, construction, project management, procurement, IT, communications etc.
Sound policy, clear standards, competence, certification, research and effective processes are all aspects of first-class information management programs that the Institute of Information Management unique faculties has got to deliver through our various learning and professional development programs, aimed at empowering information management professionals globally.
The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to open governance, transparency and inclusive digital development as the Open Government Partnership (OGP) team formally presented the award and certificate received at the OGP Global Summit Spain 2025 to the Agency’s leadership.
Nigeria emerged as the overall global winner in the Digital Governance category in recognition of the country’s excellence in deploying digital tools and policies to strengthen government transparency, accountability, and citizen engagement. In addition, Nigeria received the Regional Award for advancing Open Digital Governance across Africa and the Middle East, reaffirming its leadership role in promoting open government principles and driving digital transformation across the region.
These recognitions were largely attributed to initiatives led by NITDA in collaboration with civil society partners, such as Dataphyte, which showcased innovative and inclusive approaches to digital governance at the summit.
The summit, which was organised in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, brought together more than 1,500 high-level representatives of governments, civil society leaders, and policymakers from around the world to exchange experiences, best practices, and progress on open government initiatives and implementation on key issues.
Receiving the OGP delegation at NITDA, Inuwa described the recognition as a national honour rather than an institutional one, stressing that the award reflects Nigeria’s collective efforts across government, civil society and the private sector in advancing open governance principles through the digital space.
According to him, such global recognition comes with heightened responsibility to deliver on commitments made under the OGP framework.
“This is not just about NITDA. It is a national recognition, and every recognition comes with responsibility,” the DG said.
“If we fail to execute the commitments we have made, it will not only affect our image locally but also at the international stage. This is also not something NITDA can do in isolation,” he added.
Inuwa linked the achievement directly to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that digital transformation, transparency, economic diversification, job creation and efficient public service delivery remain central presidential priority areas.
He emphasised that leveraging digital technologies to deepen openness and accountability aligns with national objectives of strengthening institutions, improving governance outcomes and building trust between government and citizens.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration, the NITDA boss underscored the role of the OGP platform as a catalyst for a strong multi-stakeholder approach in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
He called on civil society organisations, development partners, the private sector and other government institutions to provide technical expertise, guidance and sustained engagement to ensure effective implementation of agreed commitments.
“We need to leverage the OGP platform. We need your expertise, your guidance, your support and your commitment to hand-hold us in delivering on these commitments,” he said.
He further noted that “a multi-stakeholder approach in the digital space is critical to fostering a resilient ecosystem that delivers real value to citizens.”
Inuwa disclosed that NITDA has already begun internal reviews of its OGP commitments and has tasked its representatives, including Dr Rousseau, to work with colleagues to develop a clear execution strategy.
He proposed the creation of joint work streams with OGP stakeholders to support implementation, ensure accountability and keep all parties on track.
“We are humans. Oversight and collaboration help us stay focused. With commitment, nothing is impossible, and I believe these goals are achievable,” he added, assuring the delegation of NITDA’s readiness and political will to deliver on all agreed commitments.
Inuwa also welcomed the idea of engaging the political leadership of OGP, including the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, with a view to briefing President Tinubu on the achievement. He noted that celebrating milestones is important, as it reinforces morale and demonstrates that Nigeria’s efforts in digital governance are gaining global recognition.
“It’s also good when there are wins, we should celebrate, because we too never knew that the little things we are doing are noticed not just within Nigeria, but globally, to the extent of earning us this award,” he asserted.
He concluded by expressing gratitude to the Nigerian National OGP Secretariat and the global OGP leadership, reaffirming NITDA’s commitment to strengthening collaboration and building a more productive working relationship that will translate open governance principles into measurable national impact.
Earlier in his remark, Mr Olusoji Apampa, who led the OGP deelegation, said the honours were earned through a strong partnership between government and civil society, with NITDA playing a critical role, particularly in commitments focused on improving digital governance in Nigeria.
Apampa expressed hope that the awards would serve as added momentum to deepen ongoing commitments under NITDA’s leadership and accelerate the practical implementation of reforms aimed at strengthening digital governance across the country.
PalmPay, Nigeria’s leading digital banking platform, has announced the launch of its ₦400 million festive rewards campaign, designed to reward users with cash prizes and fully sponsored international travel experiences for everyday transactions on the PalmPay app.
The campaign will run from December 17, 2025, to January 8, 2026. The campaign is designed to reward everyday transactions with extraordinary experiences. It runs alongside PalmPay’s Purple December brand campaign, which focuses on wrapping up the company’s key brand and community initiatives for the year.
At the centre of the rewards campaign is the PalmPay World Travel Carnival, an interactive card collection experience that allows users to earn city cards by completing transactions on the app. Users are required to collect five city cards – London, New York, Dubai, Sydney, and Cape Town and combine them into a World Card, which unlocks a share of the prize pool.
The more World Cards a user creates, the larger their share of the cash rewards. Any extra uncombined cards can be swapped with friends and other PalmPay users to help complete additional World Cards.
Beyond cash rewards, the Carnival also offers Free Global Trips. In each round, the top two users with the highest number of eligible transactions (₦100 and above) and at least one World Card will win an all-expense-paid international trip.
The travel grand prize covers:
- Visa fees
- Round-trip international airfare
- 5-day, 4-night hotel accommodation
- Side attraction
- Meal expenses
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- All transportation for scheduled tour activities during the trip
Winners will be determined through a transparent leaderboard system, with prizes credited automatically at the end of each round on December 25, December 31, and January 8.
Participation is simple:
- Complete tasks on the PalmPay app, such as Airtime, Data, Transfers, and other specific transactions listed in the app, to earn cards.
- Collect all five city cards.
- Swap cards with friends to complete your collection.
- Combine cards to form a World Card and earn cash rewards.
- Perform more transactions to climb the leaderboard for a chance at the global trip prize.
To ensure fairness, PalmPay has instituted strict rules: no cheating, bots, fake accounts, or manipulation. Any violations may lead to disqualification or account bans. Additionally, the Free Travel Prize is limited to one per user throughout the campaign.
Speaking on the launch, Femi Hanson, Head of Marketing & Communication, “This festive rewards campaign is about turning everyday banking into meaningful value for our users. With the World Travel Carnival as the headline activation, we are reinforcing PalmPay’s promise of being the smarter way to bank—where smart financial decisions unlock bigger opportunities.”
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to conduct a nationwide energy survey aimed at closing long-standing data gaps in Nigeria’s power sector. The initiative is expected to guide policy, attract investment, and accelerate universal electricity access.
Signed in Abuja, the agreement establishes a National Energy Survey based on the Multi-Tier Tracking Framework (MTF), a globally recognized methodology that measures electricity access not only by grid connection but also by quality, affordability, reliability, and usage of electricity and clean cooking solutions.
The survey will be implemented under the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) of the World Bank. Dr. Abba Aliyu, REA Managing Director/CEO, said the partnership underscores REA’s commitment to evidence-based rural electrification planning and will generate detailed insights on electricity access and off-grid solutions nationwide.
Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician-General of the Federation/CEO of NBS, emphasized that reliable statistics are essential for effective policymaking, assuring that NBS will provide technical oversight, sampling expertise, and quality assurance to meet global standards.
The survey will assess energy access, household affordability, expenditure patterns, and the adoption of off-grid technologies such as solar home systems, mini-grids, and clean cooking solutions. REA will provide sector expertise and policy alignment, while NBS manages regulatory approvals, methodology, and technical supervision.
Funded and technically overseen by the World Bank, the exercise will run for 18 months, with the resulting data expected to improve national energy planning, programme targeting, and private sector investment, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
Officials said the collaboration reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening inter-agency coordination, enhancing energy data availability, and advancing Nigeria’s goal of universal electricity and clean cooking access.
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