NICTA boards new leadership to drive transparency and ICT modernization
The National Information and Communications Technology Authority [NICTA] entered a new chapter of institutional oversight today with the official swearing-in of three high-level board members.
The appointments comes at a critical time for the regulator as it seeks to restore public trust and modernize Papua New Guinea’s digital landscape.
The three new members bring a blend of private-sector expertise and administrative experience to the board.
Charles Chew, appointed as an Independent Expert, Charlie Gilichibi as a Non-Executive Director and Polume Lume, sworn-in as an Ex-Officio member. Lume also takes the helm of the organization, assuming the role of Chief Executive Officer for a four-year term.
During the ceremony, NICTA Chairman Brian Riches said these appointments were not merely administrative, but a strategic move to place the right people in the right place during a period of public scrutiny.
"I have great faith in their capacity and their ability to contribute to NICTA in our decision-making," Riches said. "We are focused on restoring public trust and strengthening institutional governance and performance."
Riches said the board’s decisions carry huge implications for the country, affecting everything from daily lifestyle functions to the basic ability of citizens to access connectivity.
The Chairman outlined an ambitious roadmap for the newly constituted board with several key areas of reform including leveling the playing field, ensuring equal opportunity for all operators within the ICT sector. Modernization, reviewing internal policies and upgrading systems to remain future-ready. Enforcement, strengthening legal capabilities to ensure operators deliver services ethically and seamlessly. Universal Access, a commitment to reaching citizens in every corner of Papua New Guinea.
With the recent developments in the ICT sector, Riches affirmed that the new leadership team shares a unified commitment to accountability.
"NICTA is in a state of change. It's in a time of significant strengthening," he said. "I can guarantee you that over the next few years you will see some incredible transformation, not just within NICTA itself, but in everything that NICTA is mandating."
Riches said the swearing-in will pave way for massive change for the nation’s ICT sector, committing long-term benefits for families and future generations through improved digital infrastructure and ethical oversight.