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The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Ali (Pantami) FNCS, FBCS has charged the newly inaugurated governing Board members of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to adhere to administrative laws and guideline put in place by the Federal Government.
He gave the charge when he inaugurated the Chairman Governing Board of NITDA, Dr. Abubakar Saidu and its members at the Ministry’s Headquarter in Abuja.
Inaugurating the board, the Minister advised members of the governing board to understand the laws and guidelines put in place by the Federal government especially the administrative laws and urged each member to review and understand it.
He pointed out that the day to day activities of each and every parastatals lies with the management adding that neither the Ministry nor the governing Board has anything to do with the day to day running of the parastatals.
In his words, “the day to day activities of the parastatals has been with the Chief Executive and its management team, they have to do that and nobody has power to go and do day to day activities for them. The Ministry supervises what they are doing because the power of supervision lies with the Ministry while the governing Board power is to cascade policies. Board has no power to initiate policy except the policy of the Federal Government”.
According to him, “we have been receiving complaint of conflict of roles sometimes within the board on one hand and the management on the other. I hope that this would not emerge from NITDA. We need to demonstrate highest maturity and leave with one another as well as have a very cordial relationship between the management and the board”.
Pantami said that he did not have any perception except positive and hope that they will demonstrate highest level of maturity in managing the board. However, “when there is anything that is reported to us, we investigate. Both Board members and management can always be sanctioned by the government because they are all federal government appointees”. He stressed.
The Chairman, Governing Board of NITDA, Dr. Abubakar Saidu thanked Mr. President for approving their appointment to serve on the board adding that it is a big responsibility for them to maintain the good work of the agency.
“This is a very big responsibility given to us and with my team we see that we maintain and improve what is already on ground. I am sure from what I have seen so far we have the support from the Ministry and the President”.
Source: Press Unit, Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy
Honouring the invitation of the Governing Council of Federal University of Technology, Minna, extended by the Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof Abdullahi Bala, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami FNCS, FBCS, FIIM today delivered the year 2020 Convocation Lecture at the Minna Higher institution of learning.
The Chief ICT Policy Maker of Nigeria paper was titled: DATAFICATION OF SOCIETY: ECONOMIC AND SECURITY ISSUES IN PRODUCING AND USING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE DATA IN NIGERIA.
In his two hours presentation, the energetic, vibrant, young charismatic Federal Executive Council Member congratulated the graduands’, stating that their labour has been rewarded. Dr Pantami, however, reminded the graduates that graduation is only a starting point, and encouraged the graduating students not to rest on their oars in the pursuit of a lifetime of significance.
The Honourable Minister also encouraged the students to use the knowledge and skills they have acquired over time to make a positive difference in the society, highlighting that with the re-designation of Federal Ministry of Communications as the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, the Ministry under his watch has been positioned to drive a Digital Economy for a Digital Nigeria.
“The re-designation reflects the focus of Mr President to emphasize the need to build a digital economy. The new name addresses the new mandate of the Ministry; communications addresses the channel, digital addresses the nature of the content and economy reflects the central focus of the activities of the Ministry, which is the development of the economy in line with the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the Federal Government”, the Minister said.
The NEXT LEVEL Minister further stated that the focus on growing the National Digital Economy will also improve Nigeria’s traditional economy and will enable her to get a slice of the Global Digital Economy which Oxford Economics values at 11.5 trillion dollars or approximately 16% of the Global Economy.
The Minister likewise maintained that Data is critical to the success of the digital economy, underscoring that Data drives the digital economy and the digital economy drives the growth of the traditional economy.
Dr Pantami while underscoring the importance of data said, “In the recent past, Nigeria’s wealth was mainly measured by the minerals and natural resources it has been endowed with but we are now moving into an era where our wealth will be measured by our digital resources and the innovation of Nigerians. “
Pantami additionally cited an example with the leading companies of today such as Amazons, Googles, Facebooks and Microsofts that primarily have a high level of valuation because they warehouse and process massive amounts of both structured and unstructured data.
The Federal Executive Council member concluded the lecture by urging the assembly to join hands in building a Nigeria where data will prosper the Nation’s economy, rather than create division among people.
He reechoed that datafication has come to stay in Nigeria and that the rebirth Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy under his watch is committed to taking advantage of the position to develop a Digital Economy for a Digital Nigeria.
Source: Mr Yusuf Abubakar, Personal Assistant (New Media) to The Minister
The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Ali (Pantami) FNCS, FBCS, has urged all telecommunications Companies operating in Nigeria to improve the quality of services in order to satisfy their customers in the country.
Pantami gave this charge to the MTN Board led by MTN Group Chairman, Mabisi Jonas when they paid him a courtesy call today in his office in Abuja.
The Minister pointed out that Federal Government is committed to provide conducive and enabling environment for all Mobile telecommunications operating in the country to do their business without any hindrance in any part of the country.
In his words, "I am happy that you also appreciated our modest efforts in addressing most of the challenges being faced by mobile Telecommunications in Nigeria. I believe every Country has its own peculiar challenge".
"We have achieved a lot in addressing most of the challenges; issues of vandalism, Right of Ways (RoW) and several others". He stressed.
The Minister added “we are working on strengthening the policy to ensure that telecommunications infrastructures are well protected in the Country and the President has given directives to Security Agencies that they should provide security to critical telecommunications infrastructure in their different locations in the country".
Dr. Pantami expressed gratitude to the Board and stated that MTN has the largest market in Nigeria and globally. He however expressed concerned at the untapped market and enjoined the telecommunications companies to exploit the market opportunity in the country legitimately.
On the $1.6 billion MTN budgeted to invest in Nigeria for the next three years, the Minister said “I am glad to hear that you have a budget of $1.6 billion you plan to invest in Nigeria in the next three years. Please, try to get your priorities right. Look at the areas that are underserved and invest and the earlier you realised that, the better for you".
Earlier, the MTN Group President/CEO, Mr. Rob Shuter, who spoke on behalf of the team, said that MTN has budgeted $1.6 billion to invest in Nigeria market for the next three years. He added that Nigeria Investors' shares in MTN are growing rapidly.
Also on the team is the MTN Nigeria Chairman, Dr. Ernest Ndukwe, MTN Nigeria CEO, Ferdinand Moolman. Others are Chief Corporate Services Officer, MTN Nigeria, Public Affairs, MTN Nigeria, Anas Galadima.
Source: Press Unit, Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy
In his capacity as a Federal Executive Council Member charged with the responsibility of advising Mr President, and implementing his policies, directives and resolutions, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami FNCS, FBCS, FIIM has today officially inaugurated the recently appointed Chairman and Governing Board Members of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR.
The brief ceremony was held at the Ministry’s Corporate Headquarters, Abuja. The first to take the oath of office was the Chairman of the Governing Board, Arch Yusuf Kazaure and followed by other members appointed alongside him.
The brilliant tech-savvy Honourable Minister while making his remarks urged the Governing Board Members to always read, learn, unlearn and relearn so as not to become obsolete. The Minister stressed that the task to move Nigeria’s ICT sector is a huge one and requires 100% commitment.
The Honourable Minister also reminded the Governing Board of the Performance targets set for NIGCOMSAT and stated that the day of reckoning will come where he will require a report in writing, maintaining that inefficiency will not be accepted under his watch.
Dr Pantami further stated that the recently approved 2 subsidiary companies under NIGCOMSAT, (Satellite Infrastructure Company and Satellite Broadband Broadcasting Company) are all aimed at delivering effective and efficient services to Nigerians in line with the NEXT LEVEL agenda of the present administration.
Source: Mr Yusuf Abubakar, Personal Assistant (New Media) to The Minister
Building on the fact that Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has leapfrogged Oil and Gas in contribution to Nigeria's GDP, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami FNCS, FBCS, FIIM has disclosed that the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially directed security agencies to protect telecom infrastructures against vandalism, theft, hooliganism and other forms of negative vices.
This honest, upright and progressive NEXT LEVEL Prime Mover Minister stated that the move is part of an effort to create an enabling environment that can attract more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and drive a Digital Economy for a Digital Nigeria.
The young, energetic and vibrant Minister made this disclosure today while making his remarks during the Premier of Airtel Touching Lives Season 5 which was held in Lagos, Nigeria.
The Honourable Minister also informed the gathering that the Issue of Right of Way (RoW) has been resolved following his systematic approach of addressing the Nigerian State Governors collectively in a bid to accelerate broadband penetration in Nigeria, cleanse the sector out of corruption and position it on the path of progress.
The Honourable Minister also commended Airtel Nigeria for its initiative to give back to society as part of it's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Dr Pantam maintained that givers never lack. He said, " the Benefits of Corporate Social Responsibility Include:
1. Brand Recognition;
2. Improved Reputation of the Company;
3. Improved Image and
4. Customer Loyalty
Present at the gathering was the Vice President of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, the Vice President of Ghana, represented by the Ghana Minister for Monitoring and Evaluation, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Ooni of Ife: Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi among others.
Source: Mr Yusuf Abubakar, Personal Assistant (New Media) to The Minister
The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Ali (Pantami) FNCS, FBCS, FIIM has inaugurated a governing committee of the e-Government training Centre to facilitate training of civil servant in digital skills in the country.
The Committee which comprises of members from relevant government agencies from Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Galaxy Backbone, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), and Public Service Institute of Nigeria |(PSIN) was inaugurated at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja.
The Minister said in compliance with the directive of Mr. President to the Ministry to ensure digitalization process of government activities, the training center would provide civil servants basic, intermediate and advance training skills base on the role they play in their various MDAs.
He said, “in order to ensure that at least we implement the directives given to us. Firstly, we commissioned the center, the center has been handed over to us since November 2019 by KOICA, however, before formal handover we started using the center to train civil servants”.
Pantami expressed that government intends to establish training centers in the geo-political zones in the country to make it easier for civil servants to be trained in their zones.
Among the terms of reference to the committee are to establish the legal and regulatory framework requirement, review and monitor the operational procedure, and to provide a strategy to ensure the sustainability of the center and oversee its implementation.
Others are to monitor and ensure the facility and technology management of the center meets global standards and to develop and implement strategy towards attracting funding, collaborations and expanding the center.
The Committee is jointly chaired by the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, and the Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone Limited, Professor Mohammed Abubakar.
In a related event, the Honourable Minister inaugurated the Chairman and members of the Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) Board and urged them to ensure the recently approved satellite infrastructure company and the satellite Broadband and Broadcasting company take off immediately.
According to him, “These two companies are very apt and they came at the right time. You have to hit the ground running immediately because we are trying to ensure that NIGCOMSAT is not only competitive in Nigeria but at least in Africa and Asia”.
In his respond, the Chairman of Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT), Arc. Yusuf Kazaure thanked the Honourable Minister for the expression of support and marching order along the line of the new vision for NIGCOMSAT.
“We will make effort to be part of the drive to achieve digital economy and look forward to create necessary partnership with the agencies within the Ministry, other agencies outside the Ministry as well as other ICT ecosystem”. He stressed.
The inaugurated members of the NIGCOMSAT Board were ARC. Yusuf Kazaure (Chairman), Mr. Hadi Mohammed, Executive Director, Finance & Admin, Abdu Ja’Afaru Bambale, Executive Director Technical and Dr. Najeem Salaam, Executive Director Marketing & Business Development
Source: Press Unit, Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy
In line with the vision of His Excellency, President Muhammdu Buhari's led administration to drive a Digital Economy for a Digital Nigeria, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami FNCS, FBCS, FIIM has reiterated the importance of harnessing data for National Economic Development, stressing that the Digital Economy relies solely on Data.
The Tech Savvy Minister made this known today while making his remarks as a Special Guest of Honour during the National Privacy Week Public Awareness Workshop 2020 organized by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) with the theme: DATA PRIVACY IN A DIGITAL ECONOMY, which was held at NAF Conference Center, Abuja.
The workshop was aimed at:
1. Understanding the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR);
2. The implication of the NDPR on the Digital Economy Policy and Strategy;
3. Rights of Data Subjects and
4. Roles of CEOs & Management in Data Protection.
Dr Pantami also called on the gathering to embrace Digital Platforms in their day to day transactions, maintaining that under his watch as the Chief ICT Policy Maker in Nigeria, no government at any level or Private Entity will abuse the data of Nigerians.
The NEXT LEVEL Minister further stated that looking at the youthful population of Nigeria that is blessed with digital natives that are addicted to technology, the time is right for all Nigerian to embrace the digital transformation.
Source: Mr Yusuf Abubakar, Personal Assistant (New Media) to The Minister
The Facebook Infrastructure team, led by Network Investments, Emerging Market Lead of Facebook, Mr Ibrahima Ba were at the Ministry's Corporate Headquarters, Abuja to pay a courtesy visit on the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami FNCS, FBCS, FIIM and also explore possible areas of collaboration and further key into the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy unveiled and launched recently by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR for a Digital Nigeria.
Mr Ba also informed the Tech-Savvy Honourable Minister of the plan of Facebook to partner with the Nigerian Government in the areas of Broadband Penetration and Digital Literacy and Skills Development in a bid to support the pillars of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy.
In his remarks, the active, vibrant, young and focused Honourable Minister, pledged the Federal Government of Nigeria openness to a partnership with the Tech Giant. The Minister said, "Facebook as a Social Networking Platform is one of the major stakeholders we have in Nigeria with most Nigerians addicted to the social network platform.",
Dr Pantami also informed the Facebook team that the National Executive Council of Nigeria chaired by the Vice President of the Country, Prof Yemi Osinbajo have agreed on N145.5 per linear meter as the price of Right of Way (RoW) and called on the team to honour the laws of the land while deploying the proposed broadband infrastructures.
Source: Mr Yusuf Abubakar, Personal Assistant (New Media) to The Minister
As part of an ongoing collaboration between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the South Korea Republic to enhance capacity building, skills development and bridge the digital divide in Nigeria, the Korean Government through the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), built and donated an eGovernment training centre to Nigeria.
The centre was officially commissioned and received by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami FNCS, FBCS, FIIM on November 15th 2019.
Borne out of the need to ensure that the centre is effectively utilized for the sole purpose it was designed for, the NEXT LEVEL Focused and Progressive Thinking Honourable Minister today officially inaugurated the Governing Committee of the training centre which is co-chaired by heads of Agencies under the supervision of the Ministry in persons of the Director General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi and the Managing Director, Galaxy Backbone Ltd, Prof. Muhammad Bello Abubakar.
The Terms of Reference (TOR) for the 11 man committee Include (s):
1. Attend and contribute to all meetings.
2. Establishing the legal and regulatory requirements for the centre.
3. Review and Monitor the operational procedures of the centre.
4. Provide a strategy to ensure the sustainability of the centre and oversee its implementation.
5. Monitor and ensure the facility and technology management of the centre meets global standards.
6. Develop and implement strategy towards attracting funding, collaborations and expanding the centre.
In his remarks, The Honourable Minister also charged the committee to come up with a strategy and framework that will drive a Digital Economy for a Digital Nigeria in-line with the eGovernment Master plan approved by the Federal Executive Council of Nigeria, the highest decision-making body in the Country in which the Minister happens to be a member.
Dr Pantami also maintained that most Civil Servants in Nigeria requires training and re-training in e-Governance to deliver effective and efficient services to Nigerians in line with the blueprint of the rebirth Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy under his watch that focuses more on promoting a Digital Economy for a Digital Nigeria.
The eGovernment training centre is located at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN) in Abuja.
Source: Mr Yusuf Abubakar, Personal Assistant (New Media) to The Minister