Buhari approves paternity leave, among others, for NITDA staff

The Federal Government has endorsed paternity and empathetic leave, among others, for the staff of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, announced this on Tuesday at the inauguration and presentation of the NITDA’s Employee-Centric Condition and Scheme of Service in Abuja.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami

The Minister, in his speech as the chief convener and host, expressed his appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari, for his approval of both documents for NITDA on the 12th of February, 2021, also his general support for the digital economy sector.

Pantami disclosed that the scheme and conditions of service took just about five years to complete, also that they presented a comprehensive approach to the agency’s development one hand and the employees on the other.

As indicated by him, the documents will allow the agency to efficiently key into the Federal Government digital economy mandate, boost the corporate culture of the agency, and also attract and retain staff that are highly skilled.

“Key areas include the introduction of paternity and compassionate leave, responsibility award, transfer benefits and staff home ownership loan, among others,” he stressed.

Pantami declared that the scheme of service would serve as an authentic tool for making NITDA more efficient, stating that it recognised 15 different cadres for the agency and gave specific skills and certifications needed for appointment and promotion.

In accordance with him, the Conditions of Service were to restructure the operations and structure of the agency with the objective to provide an empowering environment for efficient strategic growth and implementation.

The minister advised NITDA to use the approval of the scheme and conditions of service as a stepping stone for major effect.