The Nigeria Computer Society on Tuesday called for the engagement of more information technology professionals in national development.

NCS president Muhammad Sirajo made the call in an interview in Lagos.

Mr Sirajo said that, after assessing the ICT sector, a lot of improvement had been recorded, but more needed to be done, especially regarding the engagement of professionals.

The NCS president said that although different stakeholders had made much effort to improve the sector, it was generally not where it should be.

According to Mr Sirajo, in terms of infrastructure, especially in the area of broadband penetration, the federal government is working tirelessly to cover the home country, but some areas are still unserved.

According to him, efforts are being put in place to ensure the nation gets to where it should be technologically.

Mr Sirajo said that, however, for the federal government to achieve more in the ICT industry, it needed to engage more with relevant stakeholders in the sector.

He urged the government to carry along relevant stakeholders within the sector, such as the NCS.

The NCS president added that it was highly beneficial to carry along relevant stakeholders and professionals in making changes and advancement in any sector.

He said professional engagement was also important to achieve industry-relevant and industry-specific results.

Mr Sirajo explained that the NCS as a body or as an umbrella for IT professionals in the country had been at the forefront, ensuring that it contributed its quota to national development.

According to him, NCS has a structure that the federal government or any other body, group, or individual can leverage.

Mr Sirajo said the NCS members were always ready to contribute their quota to national development, adding that its doors are open for any kind of partnership and collaboration.

The president emphasised the need for the government to reach out to the NCS to benefit from its wealth of expertise.

(NAN)