FCTA approves contract for ICT infrastructure, revenue security  

FCTA approves contract for ICT infrastructure, revenue security

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Executive Council has approved three critical memoranda aimed at modernising operations, safeguarding revenue generation, and boosting mobility at the FCT Department of Land Administration.

The approvals were granted on Tuesday during the council’s meeting chaired by the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike  in Abuja.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the meeting, the director of the department, Mr Chijioke Nwankwoeze, said that among the approvals was a contract for the comprehensive provision of integrated Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure and related accessories.

According to Nwankwoeze, the ICT overhaul is vital to sustaining efficiency in an agency whose operations are heavily dependent on modern technology.

“As you are aware, our operations are ICT-based, and from time to time there arises the need to improve on existing infrastructure, add more hardware, software, and everything that would help us continue to deliver efficiency,” Nwankwoeze stated.

Detailing the scope of the project, the director noted that the contract encompasses the supply and installation of high-capacity data center servers and server monitoring systems.

Other facilities, he said, will include specialised cooling systems, workstations, desktop computers, display screens, high-speed scanners, network switches, and fiber optic connectivity across the department.

He added that beyond the ICT infrastructure, the council also approved a memorandum for the procurement of an operational utility vehicle, a full-option, 6-speed automatic transmission Toyota Hilux valued at N94.6 million to support field operations.

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Nwankwoeze explained that the vehicle procurement became necessary following the recent expansion of the department’s mandate.

“A month and a half ago, the functions of the former Committee on Sale of Federal Government Houses were officially transferred to the Department of Land Administration.

“That added huge responsibilities that require more operational tools to deliver, as such, additional procurement requests will be presented to EXCO as workload demands increase,” he said.

He further said that the council equally ratified the contract for the production of customised revenue receipt booklets featuring advanced anti-fraud safeguards to curb financial leakages,

Nwankwoeze said that the contract was awarded to the Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc (NSPM), the nation’s currency printer.

He explained that the redesign was prompted by recent discoveries of document alteration and attempted fraud within the revenue collection chain.

“This development will ensure specialised security features are introduced into the new receipts to guarantee the integrity of land revenue collection.

“Awarding this to NSPM demonstrates the utmost importance the FCT Administration attaches to the documents used in collecting public funds,” he said.

The director expressed confidence that the approvals would significantly eliminate administrative bottlenecks, secure government revenues, and speed up land administration services across the FCT.