The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy Mr. Musa Istifanus has reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to fully integrate ICTs into the socio-economic development of Nigeria in order to transform the country into a knowledge-based economy.

He stated this at the opening ceremony of the 7^th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Communications and Digital Economy with the theme “Leveraging the gain of ICTs in Developing and Implementing Digital Economy Strategy in Nigeria” holding at the Banquet Hall, Government House. Gombe, Gombe State.

The Permanent Secretary stated that connectivity, capacity building and inter-agency collaboration, are key factors that will bridge the digital divide and enhance technology development across the nation.

In his words, “the policy thrusts of the Ministry clearly articulate government’s intent in a number of thematic areas amongst which are local content development, ICT Research, Development and Innovation, Investment and Funding, inter agency cooperation in ICT Hardware production, Universal access and service Internet and broadband”

He pointed out that society has realized the gains of ICTs and government is committed to utilizing these possibilities with new policies interventions that would be required to address global challenges in areas such as digital economy and local challenges of societal cohesion, escalating healthcare costs, aging society and life-style change.

Istifanus said, “new technologies (devices, mobility) and technology capabilities (interoperability, security, data analytics) offer new ways to make this achievable. The society is moving towards transparency and openness.  There are initiatives to increase the engagement with the citizen, attract usage, develop increased levels of thrust, and improve the service delivery. ICT offers the best platform to achieve this”.

He urged the participants to take advantage of the many sessions at the meeting to come up with resolutions to address challenges in the present-day realities and take advantage of the networking opportunities available to forge strategic partnership towards realizing the vision of a new Nigeria.

Earlier, the Gombe State Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Aishatu Umar Maigari thanked the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy for choosing the state to host the 2019 council meeting in Gombe State.

Source: Press Unit, Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy

President Muhammadu Buhari has unveiled the National Digital Economy Policy, initiated by the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

The unveiling was performed during the e-Nigeria Conference, Exhibition and Awards 2019 at the International Conference Center (ICC), Abuja.

As part of key requirements of the e-government master plan, the President has directed government institutions, “to create a digital transformation technical working group that will work with the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to ensure seamless and coordinated implementation of projects, programmes and policies”

He said that the Nigeria e-government interoperability framework, Enterprise Architecture and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation are in place and all Ministries, Departments and Agencies are expected to comply with these policies.

President Buhari directed the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to develop training and sensitization programmes that will be rolled out across all key Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure seamless implementation of the master plan.

He reiterated that, the digitalization of key activities such as the Bank verification number (BVN), Treasury Single Account (TSA) and the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) has enabled government to save cost and fight corruption.

The President posited that the second quarter report published by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) for 2019, showed that the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector, contributed an impressive 13.85% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria. This clearly shows the importance and potential of the ICT sector to the job creation and economic diversification agenda of his administration.

In his words, “Nigerian ICT startups are leaving their mark on the global stage. At the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX), a Nigerian Artificial Intelligence (AI) Solutions Provider, Chiniki Guard, beat 750 contestants from 76 countries to clinch the number one spot. We shall continue to encourage and support such digital entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions for local and global challenges”.

President Buhari recalled his directive to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) at the e-Nigeria 2018 Conference that all government funded ICT projects must be reviewed and cleared by the Agency, and this implementation of this directive  has saved over 16.8 billion naira for the Federal Goverment.

Earlier, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), called on stakeholders across the country to support the Federal Government in achieving a digital economy by 2023.

The Minister said the administration of President Buhari which is focused on economy diversification, ensuring security and fighting corruption, will leverage on deploying Information Communications Technology (ICT) in achieving the set agenda.

He said delivering a digital economic country prompted the president to recently change the portfolio of the Ministry of Communications to the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

 “We are working on development regulations, digital integration, building solid infrastructure, deployment of emerging technologies, as well as local content promotion and we want all hands on deck,” Pantami said.

Source: Press Unit, Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy

It is a known fact that since the year 2010 when SIM Cards registration was first introduced in Nigeria, the country has been battling with the menace of persistent circulation of improperly registered SIM Cards. A position the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami FNCS, FBCS FIIM found worrisome and immediately took the bull by the horn and addressed the challenge within 40 days in office.

I am delighted to participate in the Opening Ceremony of eNigeria 2019 Conference, Exhibitions and Awards, where we will discuss a very important area of focus of my administration- The National Digital Economy, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR has said.

The Nigerian President made this assertion today while officially declaring the two-day Information Technology (IT) summit open.

Honoring the Invitations of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Panatami FNCS, FBCS, FIIM to serve as the Special Guest of Honour and officially declare eNigeria 2019 Conference, Exhibitions and Awards Open, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR today for the third year consecutively declared the IT summit open.

The eNigeria 2019 conference is with the theme “National Digital Economy”. The two-day event holding at the International Conference Center, Abuja is a veritable platform for stakeholders in the Information Technology (IT) Sector to brainstorm and come up with resolutions that would place Nigeria on the path of success in line with global best practices.

I am very uncomfortable with the current state of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) as at today. Nigerians are complaining about inefficient services, most NIPOST offices are visibly dilapidated, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami FNCS, FBCS, FIIM has said.

The Honourable Minister made his position known while making his remarks as chairman of the steering committee of the postal sector, reform, restructuring and modernisation of NIPOST, during an official meeting which was held today at the Ministry’s Headquarters, Abuja. The meeting was part of a move for the partial commercialisation of NIPOST.

This is to notify the general public, that the Office of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, is not unaware of the clandestine attempts by some unpatriotic elements at sabotaging the efforts being made by the Ministry to deliver its mandate to Nigerians.

It is no news that the proactive policy direction, anti corruption and economically empowering  principles, characteristic of the current leadership of Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) FNCS, FBCS, FIIM has impacted hugely on the lives of ordinary Nigerians who have hitherto been helpless in the face of blatant exploitation. Since assumption of office, the Honourable Minister has consistently rolled out policies that strive to protect the consumer and entrench discipline and professionalism in the sector, this stand has obviously ruffled some feathers whose sole aim is to discredit Dr Pantami’s mass-friendly policies.

Investigations into the suspicious activities of some disgruntled elements, has exposed attempts at a malicious smear campaign, bankrolled by unscrupulous elements are uncomfortable with the Minister’s people-oriented policies because, they can no longer conduct business as usual. The strategy is to compromise the media, using financial inducements and they have raised a considerable amount of money for this campaign. The objective of this bogus façade, is to intimidate us into allowing the continued exploitation of Nigerians by compromising regulators. The gentlemen and women of the esteemed fourth estate of the realm are hereby called upon, to shun all attempts at demeaning the noble pen profession and uphold the integrity of their character. We commend the resilience of some media persons who resisted the lure of evil, refused to be compromised and reached out to us. We are proud of the level of professionalism and patriotism demonstrated by the press which resulted in the woeful failure of the despicable campaign.

The Office of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy shall pursue and uphold its mandate, in line with the Three Point Agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR. No acts of corruption or injustice shall be condoned. We will neither be intimidated by fifth columnists or any agents of dubious intentions, nor be blackmailed into submission.

The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy  considers it duty-bound, to provide non-discriminatory policy directions for the benefit of every Nigerian, ensure that consumers are protected from exploitation, provide an enabling environment for investors and operators, and enhance the independence of all regulatory Parastatals under his purview. The hitherto existing relationship between Regulators and Operators which more often than not, compromises the former, is one that cannot thrive under the current leadership. The Honourable Minister is determined to ensure that the unhealthy dependence of Regulators on Operators is addressed, so that Regulators can be very objective.

We hereby urge the general public, to be alert to the shady activities of these corrupt individuals, and disregard any information that contravenes the policies of the Ministry. We will continue to render public service in line with global best practice.

Signed

Uwa Suleiman

Spokesperson to the Honourable Minister of Communications & Digital Economy

25th  November, 2019

The attention of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) FNCS, FBCS, FIIM has been drawn to very serious, unpatriotic and corrupt activities of some criminal elements within the public service, who have continued to engage in acts capable of undermining the national security.

The office of the Honourable Minister has received several complaints from Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) about the unfortunate incidences of forced closures or outright destruction of Telecommunications Infrastructure in some parts of the country. Base Transceiver Stations (BTS) and other telecommunications facilities are reportedly being vandalised and MNOs, are hindered from delivering the requisite services to the consumer by state owned Agencies in some parts of the country.

In a correspondence with the Honourable Minister, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) confirmed and emphasised that, telecommunications infrastructure are a Critical National Infrastructure (CNI), and are central to national security. Also, these actions constitute a violation of relevant laws of Nigeria and are a threat to national economic development as most businesses nowadays, depend on services provided by telecommunications operators.

In line with the provisions of the Cybercrime Act of 2015, Telecommunications Infrastructure are designated CNI and therefore, any acts of vandalism or deliberate obstruction of service delivery is deemed unlawful and punishable by law. The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, in an earlier intervention to bring this challenge to a permanent end, had written to all affected state chief executives in this regard, urging them to ensure that all agencies and residents, within their respective domains desist from these despicable acts.

In an era where development is tech-driven and the Federal Government is making concerted efforts to digitalise the economy, the actions of these unscrupulous elements strive to undermine the President’s Digital Economy Agenda and indeed, the overall development of the country.

This wanton destruction and total disregard for CNI, must be stopped forthwith.  The Federal Government is doing all it can, to ensure the security of the lives and properties of its citizens and will not condone any acts, that will jeopardise its efforts. All Governors whose states are affected by this scourge, are respectfully reminded and encouraged, to immediately deploy strategies that will bring an end to it. As Chief Security Officers (CSOs) of their various states, they are to ensure the immediate implementation of, and compliance with this directive and anyone who persists with this criminal act brought to book in accordance with the law.

In a related development, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, is concerned about the obstruction and hinderance to the activities of MNOs, by some men of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), thereby constituting a challenge to telecommunications services delivery.

Numerous complaints reaching the Minister’s office allege that men of the service, especially around border towns where BTS are located, deny passage to petrol tank drivers, thereby denying them access to refuel generators supplying power to these base stations. The effects of these acts are a threat to national security and economic growth and cannot be ignored.

The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, while applauding the revived efforts of the NCS in tackling the activities of smugglers, however, urges the service to direct its officers deployed to these locations, to identify and grant concession to genuine drivers carrying petroleum supplies to remote locations and are a critical link in the chain. The Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, is centred around a Digital Economy and the telecoms sector, occupies a central position in the scheme of things. It is of utmost importance that public institutions collaborate and form partnerships that will ensure the security and prosperity of all Nigerians.   

The Federal Government assures stakeholders, operators and indeed all law abiding citizens, of its commitment to providing a safe business environment for investments to thrive.

Signed

Uwa Suleiman

Spokesperson to the Honourable Minister of Communications & Digital Economy

22^nd November, 2019

The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) has commissioned an e-Government Training Center, one brand new 36 seater Hyundai Bus as well as a 260 KVA Generator set to provide uninterrupted electricity to the Centre. 

 The Centre is located at the premises of the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN), it was built and donated to Nigeria Government by the Korea Government through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for the capacity building of e-Government in Nigeria.

The Hon. Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) performed the commissioning ceremony on Friday at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria in Abuja.

Performing the ceremony, Pantami conveyed President Muhammadu Buhari sincere appreciation to the Republic of Korea Government and her Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E Major Gen. Lee In-tae (Rtd.) for this intervention, adding that the e-Government Centre will go a long way in bridging the gap in the training and retraining needs of Civil Servants in Nigeria.

The Minister reiterated that President Muhammadu Buhari on October 17, 2019 re-designated the Ministry of Communication to Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to allow for the expansion of the scope of the Ministry and it's Parastatals toward changing the perceptions of Nigerians about the role and mandate of the Ministry in alignment with global best practice and the Federal Government's Economic Recovery Growth Plan (ERGP).

He noted that retaining the former name would mean that "the Ministry was more on how to provide ICT but with the new nomenclature, the Ministry will now convert ICT and utilize it for economic benefits for both individual level and official purposes", adding that "ICT today is not just about Socialization or conveying a message but how we can utilize it to promote our economy."

Dr. Pantami said that e-Government is all about digital economy and that is why the Ministry and its Parastatals have been mandated to implement e-Government in Nigeria and Federal Executive Council has approved e-government Master plan for the country.

According to him, with the successful completion and commissioning of the e-Government Centre, a standing Committee will be inaugurated to manage the centre and ensure that Civil Servants are train in batches with the anticipation that by 2022 or 2023 all Civil Servants in Nigeria would have been fully trained.

The Minister disclosed that the Ministry has commenced the process of securing another grant from the Korea Government for the second phase of the e-Government Centre in Nigeria. He called on the Korea Ambassador to Nigeria and Ministry of Budget and National planning to intervene and ensure its success. 

He eulogizes the Pioneer Director of the Centre, Dr. Geoon who passed away before the completion of the edifice adding that his contributions would remain in indelible in the hearts of stakeholders and to serve as a memorial, he renamed the Centre as Dr. Geoon Multipurpose Centre.

Earlier, the Country Director of KOICA, Woochan Chang said that the commissioning of the e-Government Centre was historic being that the Centre was as a result of the partnership between his government and Nigeria. He added that KOICA has injected about $8.45m in the project and about $1m to refurbish the Centre to serve as excellent training Centre for Nigerians.

The event also witnessed the closing ceremony and presentation of certificates to participants who had undergone a four week training programme and awards to best instructors have in attendance the CEOs of the agencies under the Ministry.

Source: Press Unit, Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy

As a public servant, the position we occupy is not based on inheritance, but rather, a call to service. Public office is a trust, the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami FNCS, FBCS, FIIM has said.

The Honourable Minister made this assertion in his capacity as the Chairman, Central Working Committee (CWC), of the tech gathering during the inaugural meeting of the working group. The information technology conference is scheduled to hold from Thursday, 28th to Saturday, 30th of November 2019 with the theme: "Achieving National Digital Economy."

The Next Level Minister also disclosed that His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR will declare the event open and has further directed the Ministry to develop the “National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy” in line with the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), which is to be unveiled during the conference.

The Minister as well declared that under his reign, interagency rivalry is a thing of the past and went further to immediately name the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof Umar Garba Danbatta, Managing Director, Galaxy Backbone PLC, Arch Yusuf Kazaure, Managing Director , Nigerian Communications Satelite (NIGCOMSAT), Dr Abimbola Alale and the Post Master General, Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), Barr Adebisi Adegbuyi as Co-Hosts, while the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is to serve as the secretariat.

eNigeria is Nigeria’s annual Information Technology (IT) summit organized by NITDA in collaboration with relevant stakeholders from the private and public sector as well as Non-Governmental Organizations. It serves as a platform for ICT awareness creation, developing an appropriate framework and setting goals for best practices to encourage appropriate positioning of Nigeria in the global Information Society.

Source: Mr Yusuf Abubakar, Personal Assistant (New Media) to The Minister