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PANTAMI GALVANIZES NIGERIANS TOWARDS INTERNATIONAL IDENTITY DAY 2020
Super User Written by September 14, 2020

The 16th of September (16.9) has been declared as the International Identity Day.  Following the approval of the Federal Government under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, Nigeria also formally adopted 16.9 as the National Identity Day. This year’s edition of the National Identity Day will take place virtually on the same date and will have the theme: Identity for Health, Sustainable Development and Growth. 

The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), FNCS, FBCS, FIIM uses this occasion to remind Nigerians of the importance of Digital Identity.  He also assures Nigerians that the Ministry is developing the right policy environment to support enrolments for Digital IDs across the country.  We will start by capturing Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Nigeria and will also support the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and other stakeholders to ensure that we make the process of obtaining Digital IDs swift and secure. 

One of the key objectives of Pillar #6 (Soft Infrastructure) of National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) is support for the accelerated implementation of a Digital Identity Programme.  The importance of a digital identity programme to the successful development of a digital economy cannot be overstated.  Digital Identity plays a critical part in the development of a digital economy is also called the fabric of the digital economy.  

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa rightly noted that “Digital Identity and the digital economy are not only linked, but are also, reinforcing, as digital ID is the basis for digital economy platforms… Digital identification can be an important catalyst for various development initiatives in the continent, impacting on trade, governance, social protection, financial inclusion, domestic resource mobilization, as well as security and human rights.”

As the world and Nigeria mark the International Identity Day and National Identity Day, respectively, Dr Pantami urges Nigerians to support the development of the digital economy by embracing the use of digital identity. The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy is committed to ensuring that Nigeria derives the benefits of a functional digital ID system and calls on all stakeholders to support this process. Nigerians are encouraged to visit NIMC accredited centres soon for their Digital ID.

 

 

 

Uwa Suleiman (Mrs)
Spokesperson to the
Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy
September 14, 2020

NIGERIA’S DIAMOND JUBILEE CELEBRATION: FEDERAL GOVERNMENT CALLS FOR ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT OF NIGERIANS IN CREATING A BRAND AND OTHER EVENT ELEMENTS
Super User Written by September 05, 2020

On the 1st of October, 2020, Nigeria will be celebrating its Diamond Jubilee as it turns 60 years. It is a day that reminds every citizen about the dawn of the nation we call our country, a diverse nation with resilient and hardworking people. Nigerians have gone far and wide, impacting their communities and the world at large.

To celebrate Nigeria’s Diamond Jubilee, the Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR has approved an inclusive National Independence Celebration program in line with Covid-19 protocols and guidelines. To ensure inclusiveness, the thematic and creative aspects of the event would be designed by Nigerians for Nigeria. The theme of the celebration is “Together at 60.”

As the saying goes, we are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided. The Federal Government therefore wants to use this opportunity to celebrate our strength as one indivisible country. Also provide opportunity for Nigerians to choose their brand and harness the power of our creative minds to create other elements that will form the Brand of the Anniversary. The Sub Committee of the Interministerial Committee came up with a challenge in which they are looking for talented, critical thinking and creative individuals or teams to produce the slogan, photograph, and a poem for Nigerians to mark the country’s 60th Anniversary, from 1st October 2020 to 30th December 2021. 

To vote for the best brand and participate in the challenge, visit the challenge portal: https://nigeriaAt60.gov.ng. The best brand and concept will be presented to His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR and will be used in celebrating Nigeria’s 60th Anniversary. The winners will also receive prizes, in addition to being part of this epoch-making event.

As the country eagerly awaits the unveiling of the winning brand and other elements of the celebration, we look forward to the active participation of all.

 

 

Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), FNCS, FBCS, FIIM

Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy,

Chairman, Diamond/Innovation/Change Sub-Committee,

Nigeria @60 Interministerial Committee

Super User Written by August 31, 2020

In an effort to ensure that synergy and effective ministry supervisory mechanism is put in place to coordinate, monitor and track the progress of Federal Government’s digital transformation initiatives, President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the transfer of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

The approval for the transfer was based on Mr President’s consideration for the critical role of NIMC towards the realisation of the objectives of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for a Digital Nigeria (NDEPS). Furthermore, Mr President’s directives for NIMC to be under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy is an illustration of Mr President’s vote of confidence on Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), FNCS, FBCS, FIIM, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, based on an unprecedented performance. He has, within his first year in office, amongst others, resolved the ICT sector’s decade-long dilemma of Right of Way charges. He was also able to secure Mr President’s approval for the provision of security as well as designation of Telecommunications Infrastructure as Critical National Infrastructure, regularization of improperly registered SIM cards and deactivation of unregistered ones, the deployment of over 250 digital projects across the country under his policies and supervision as well as built the capacity of over 36,000 Nigerians.

It may be recalled that NIMC is mandated to create, manage, maintain and operate the National Identity Database established by the NIMC Act, 2007.In an effort to realise this, the Commission has so far registered around 41 million eligible enrollees for the National Identity Number (NIN). The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on the other hand has details of over 191 million mobile subscribers. Furthermore, the National Information Technology Development Agency has recorded huge successes in the development and implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), the country’s first codified data protection regulation. The Agency has also reached an advanced stage on the implementation of the National Public Key Infrastructure (NPKI). Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) also provides services to Government Agencies – Infrastructure-as-a-Service, Platform-as-a-Service and Software-as-a-Service. The need therefore for NIMC, NCC, NITDA and GBB to work closely together under the supervision of one Ministry towards harnessing what has already been achieved cannot be overemphasized.

The NIN, considered as a social security as well as civil number, is very important for economic planning and social intervention. With Federal Government’s digitalization initiatives in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, access to services and interventions will require it. We therefore urge all eligible individuals to enroll as soon as possible. Furthermore, the Honourable Minister is assuring Nigerians as well as residents that appropriate measures will be put in place to ensure that opportunities for enrolment are provided to all.

 

 

Uwa Suleiman,

Spokesperson to the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy,

Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

31st August 2020

DR PANTAMI IS A GOAL GETTER IN THE TEAM OF PRESIDENT BUHARI – ICT JOURNALIST
Super User Written by July 13, 2020
“The Honourable Minister, Dr Pantami is a goal-getter in the team of His Excellency, President Buhari”, the President, FCT Chapter, Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA), Mr Blessing Olaifa has said.
 
Mr Olaifa made this assertion today while delivering a goodwill message on behalf of his colleagues during the opening ceremony of a five-day capacity development programme on digital skills in News Reportage for ICT Journalists taking place at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria, Abuja.
 
Mr Olaifa also commended the Honourable Minister for being the first cabinet member to address journalist and give an account of his stewardship early this year.
 
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami FNCS, FBCS, FIIM stated that the digital Nigeria project cannot be achieved without capacity development, stressing that ICT Journalists have a role to play.
 
The Minister also highlighted that similar training will be conducted for people living with disabilities, farmers, artisans, civil servants among others, in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for a Digital Nigeria launched and unveiled by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR.
 
Dr Pantami further called on the media practitioners to upheld professionalism and integrity in reporting, stressing that responsible journalism is key to democracy and good governance.
 
Pantami also underscored some of the achievement recorded under his leadership such as the development National Broadband Plan 2020 - 2025, protection of telecom infrastructures, addressing the challenges of Right of Way among others.
 
“With all sense of humility as at the time I assumed office, Broadband Penetration was at 31.5%. As of today in less than a year in office, Broadband Penetration stands at 40.18%. We have achieved an almost 10% increase”, the Minister said.
 
The highlight of the day was the presentation of ICT tools to the media practitioners.
 
 
Source: Mr Yusuf Abubakar, Personal Assistant (New Media) to The Honourable Minister
SMART AGRICULTURE IS THE WAY FORWARD – DR PANTAMI
Super User Written by July 10, 2020
The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami FNCS, FBCS, FIIM has emphasized on the need of coming up with innovative ideas that will promote smart agriculture in Nigeria as a means of diversifying the nation’s economy, highlighting that Nigeria is blessed with a large fertile landmass.
 
The innovative thinking minister maintained that embracing smart agriculture in Nigeria and enhancing the capacity of farmers digitally will create millions of digital jobs and improve the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
 
The NEXT LEVEL minister stated that the National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture (NAVSA) is part of the main policy of the National Digital Economy policy and strategy for a Digital Nigeria launched and unveiled by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR.
 
Dr Pantami stressed that the best way to improve the output in the agricultural sector in Nigeria is through the deployment of emerging technologies.
 
The Honourable Minister said, “today, the whole world is focusing more on skills rather than certificates”. Citing an example with china which has announced the intention of converting 600 universities to skill acquisition centres.
 
The minister made his position known today while making his remarks virtually in the capacity as the Chief Host during the closing ceremony of the pilot NAVSA programme which took place in Jigawa State.
 
The Host Governor, His Excellency, Governor Mohammed Badaru Abubakar also in attendance virtually appreciated the vision of the Minister for bringing the project to the state and promised to ensure its sustainability.
 
The Governor also called against beneficiaries selling or underutilizing materials and knowledge given to them to excel in life, maintaining that the state in the last few years has produced a lot of millionaires through rice farming precisely.
 
The Highlight of the day was the presentation of Smart Devices; Internet Connectivity; Seed Fund; and Certified Seed to the 130 farmers who received training on a series of digital skills.
 
 
 
Source: Mr Yusuf Abubakar, Personal Assistant (New Media) to The Honourable Minister
THE CONSUMERS ARE KING- DR PANTAMI
Super User Written by July 07, 2020
As part of an effort to enhance effective and efficient service delivery to Nigerians, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami FNCS, FBCS, FIIM today received a briefing from the Management of Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), led by its EVC, Prof Umar Garba Danbatta at the Ministry's Corporate Headquarters, Abuja.
 
The Honourable Minister, Dr Pantami while making his brief remarks reminded the EVC and team that their main responsibility as the regulator is to protect the consumers, while emphasizing that the customer is a king.
 
The Minister reminded the commission that governance is all about teamwork, maintaining that the success of the commission is also the success of the ministry being its supervisor.
 
 
 
Source: Mr Yusuf Abubakar, Personal Assistant (New Media) to The Honourable Minister
DR PANTAMI BAGS AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Super User Written by July 03, 2020
The effort of repositioning Nigeria’s ICT sector to conform with the 21st century digital realities where a digital economy thrives seamlessly has not gone unnoticed as over 70% of the respondent in a poll conducted by Rariya Newspaper voted the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami FNCS, FBCS, FIIM as the BEST PERFORMING MINISTER OF THE YEAR.
 
The accolade is due to Dr Pantami’s excellent performance and numerous achievements recorded within a short time in office such as the development and implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for a Digital Nigeria and the National Broadband Plan 2020 – 2025 among others.
 
 
Source: Mr Yusuf Abubakar, Personal Assistant (New Media) to The Honourable Minister
DR PANTAMI COMMENDS MAINONE ON 10TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Super User Written by July 02, 2020
The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), FNCS, FBCS, FIIM, congratulates the Chief Executive Officer, Engr Funke Opeke and the staff of MainOne Cable Company on the celebration of their 10th anniversary.
 
Dr Pantami notes the important role that MainOne, an indigenous company, plays as a key partner in the development of Nigeria’s Digital Economy. He commends the CEO and her team for their role in supporting the growth of the ecosystem in a number of ways, including attracting foreign direct investment, providing connectivity, enabling the creation of jobs and mentoring start-ups.
 
The Honourable Minister also commends the Engr Opeke for her willingness to always offer support towards the development of the digital sector of the country. This was evident when she made a lot of sacrifice and showed great patriotism while chairing the Committee that prepared the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (2020-2025).
 
The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy wishes MainOne Cable Company a successful anniversary and greater success in the future.
 
 
Mrs Uwa Suleiman
Spokesperson to the
Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy
2nd July, 2020
L-R: MD NGCOMSAT, Abimbola Alale; EVC NCC, Prof. U.G Danbatta, Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami); DG NITDA, Kashifu Abdullahi Inuwa and Ag. Executive Secretary USPF, Ayuba Shuaibu at the inauguration.
Super User Written by July 01, 2020
The Chief Executive Officers of Parastatals under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy has hailed the inspirational, fair and equitable leadership being provided by the Honourable Minister, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami FNCS, FBCS, FIIM which has resulted in an unprecedented synergy among the regulators, operator and service providers.
 
The CEOs made this position known today while commenting respectively shortly before the Honourable Minister, Dr Pantami inaugurated two (2) ministerial committees namely;
1. Ministerial Committee on Media Engagement in Nigerian languages
2. Ministerial Completed Projects Review and Commissioning Committee
 
In his remarks, the Honourable Minister stated that as public officials, there is a need to communicate government policies and programmes effectively to Nigerians and also receive feedback from the public in a bid to enhance transparency and accountability.
 
Dr Pantami further stressed the importance of engagement and feedback in promoting good governance and deliver effective and efficient services to Nigerians.
 
The Minister also frown at the fact that various ICT projects deployed by the ministry and the parastatals under its supervision are underutilized by the host communities
 
Members of the committees were drawn from the ministry and all the parastatals under its supervision which includes NCC, NITDA, Galaxy Backbone, NIGCOMSAT and NIPOST.
 
 
 
Source: Mr Yusuf Abubakar, Personal Assistant (New Media) to The Honourable Minister
DR PANTAMI UNVEILS STRATEGIC ROADMAP
Super User Written by June 23, 2020
In line with the directives of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR to ensure all parastatals and agencies of government under the supervision of a Ministry are efficient and effective in service delivery to Nigerians, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami FNCS, FBCS, FIIM today launched and unveiled the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) Strategic Management Plan 2020 - 2024.
 
The Strategic Management Plan (SMP) is aimed at creating a seamless strategy to actualise Digital Economy in the country and also leverage on the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy as well as the National Broadband Plan 2020 - 2025.
 
In his remarks, the NEXT LEVEL Honourable Minister, Dr Pantami stressed on the need for the commission to be focused on the implementation of the strategy.
 
Dr Pantami stated that President Buhari graciously approved the Ministry's request to focus more on the promotion of a Digital Economy in an attempt to diversify Nigeria’s economy while maintaining that NCC as the regulatory body needs to drives developmental regulation in Nigeria.
 
The Minister identified the five (5) components needed in the implementation of a strategy as People; Resources; Structure; System and Orientation” and called on the commission to provide his office with a monthly report on progress made.
 
 
Source: Mr Yusuf Abubakar, Personal Assistant (New Media) to The Honourable Minister