THE Federal Government on Monday launched the multi-million naira website in line with its commitment to run an open and accountable administration.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, who officially launched the website at an estimated cost of N64 million, said it was created as a functional platform that would deliver information and policy thrust of the present administration.
He said in accordance with the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act, government officials have no right to hide information from Nigerians, provided such information does not fall under the classified document.
He said the federal government website, www.osgf.gov.ng, would give Nigerians the opportunity to track the activities of the government and ask questions where necessary.
Mustapha, however, estimated the cost of upgrading the website, including procurement of laptops, training of officials and consultancy services, at N64 million.
He said the cost had been captured in the 2017 budget, where N64 million was initially allocated for it.
“We are not in a position to hide information from people except they are classified information, this is in our commitment to have and to run an open government system.
“There was a contract in 2017. The figure is in public domain. It is about N64million including procurement of laptops, training, consultancy services.
“The contract was awarded by the Bureau of Public Procurement in accordance with the Procurement Act,” Mustapha said when
questions were thrown to him regarding the cost of the upgrade.
The SGF also noted that the website was mooted in accordance with the executive order 001, necessary to drive investment and development worldwide.
He described the revamped e-participation platform as the major achievement of the new website.
Through the platform, members of the public could request for information from government, submit ideas, and lodge complaints.
