New ICT minister Robert Naguri takes office with focus on employee welfare

New Information and Communications Technology minister Robert Naguri addressing department staff during the handover takeover ceremony in Port Moresby on Monday *(Image: NBC News)*

Newly appointed Minister for Information and Communications Technology [ICT] and Member for Bogia, Robert Naguri, has assured staff across the sector that employee welfare will be his top priority.

Speaking at the official handover ceremony on Monday at the National Broadcasting Corporation [NBC] headquarters, Minister Naguri emphasized that employee well-being directly impacts performance.

The ICT ministry oversees three key entities in the Department of Information and Communications Technology [DICT], the National Information and Communications Technology Authority [NICTA], and the NBC.

“Your welfare is very important to me. When you are happy and enjoying your job, you will give the nation 100 percent,” Naguri said.

He acknowledged outgoing Minister and Member for South Bougainville, Timothy Masiu, thanking him for his service and committing to build on the groundwork already laid.

Outgoing ICT minister and South Bougainville MP Timothy Masiu delivering his departing speech at NBC headquarters in Port Moresby *(Image: NBC News)*

Masiu served as ICT minister since 2019, leading key reforms and developments in the sector from broadcasting space to vital legal framework and pivotal infrastructure changes.

“The outgoing minister has done a lot over the past six years. I cannot achieve everything he has achieved in just eight months, but the foundation is already there, and I will continue where my brother left off,” The new minister said.

Naguri said he will meet with agency heads to delegate key responsibilities effectively to meet the expectations set by the Prime Minister.

The new minister also extended his gratitude to the Regional Member for Bougainville, Peter Tsiamalili Jr., for his leadership and support over the past 12 months as acting ICT minister.

Naguri urged staff across all three institutions to foster mutual respect, open communication, and teamwork to drive the department forward.

Outgoing Minister Timothy Masiu expressed full confidence in the new minister, calling on all department heads and staff to extend their total support to minister Naguri.