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Tag: Ali Pantami

  • NIN registration: I’m yet to receive N25 billion approved for NIMC – Pantami

    NIN registration: I’m yet to receive N25 billion approved for NIMC – Pantami

    As challenges to register for National Identification Number (NIN) persist, the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Pantami has said he is yet to receive funds approved for the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Prof Pantami made this known on Monday in Abuja as NCC auctioned 3.5GHz spectrum band for deployment of 5G network across Nigeria.

    Recall that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had in September approved N25 billion for the upgrade and replacement of the NIMC infrastructure as server downtime continued to mar NIN-SIM card linkage, even as the December 31 deadline draws closer.

    Pantami had at the time said the money will also be used for the improvement of novel initiatives that have increased the registration of persons on the National Identity Database (NIDB).

    The Minister said that between 2007 and 2020, a 13-year period, the NIMC managed to register a little higher than 40 million NIN but that between 2020, after the NIMC came under his purview, and now, no fewer than 67 million people have registered.

    “Let us not forget that as of October last year, 2020 when Mr. President directed me to supervise NIMC, the total enrollment in their database was just a little higher than 40million.

    “That 40 million was achieved from 2007 to 2020 which is around thirteen years. But within little more than a year and now we are in December 2021, a little more than a year, the total enrollment as of last week is more than 70 million.

    “This has been achieved without releasing one naira to NIMC as at today. There has been an approval granted by the Federal Government of Nigeria but the money is yet to be released to the management. They are yet to receive it, but it has been approved,” Pantami said.

    Speaking on the auction of the 3.5GHz spectrum band by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the deployment of 5G in Nigeria, the Communication and Digital Economy Minister urged for transparency.

    He said the nation was planning to deploy the technology under the National Policy on Fifth Generation (5G) Networks for Nigeria’s Digital Economy and that the deployment will help address the country’s security challenges.

    The technology was largely criticised in 2020 leading to an investigation into its health implications. Pantami, however, said when the general benefits of the 5G is considered, the country will truly stand out as the giant of Africa.

    He said, “If 5G is utilized effectively by our security institutions, it will go a long way in addressing many security challenges we have today in Nigeria.

    “Firstly, there are many benefits of 5G over 2G, 3G and even 4G particularly, the mutual authentication of its network and 5G network is encrypted.

    “So, this will provide an avenue for our security institutions to leverage on the technology and deploy many emerging technologies in the country to handle the security challenges we are being confronted with.

    “Today, if you want to address the issue of insecurity, you will need things like robotics, internet of things and artificial intelligence. you will need big data analytics. All these emerging technologies cannot be deployed effectively without 5G, because 5G gives you real time communications.”

    He said with real time communications, all the gadgets can be deployed and utilised effectively to handle security challenges in the country.

    “This is the approach globally and this the best practice globally, At the top of our agenda for 5G deployment is to support our security institutions, to provide the network so that they can leverage on and address the security challenges head on,” he added.

    According to him, there are seven requirements of effective security management which include: command, control, communications, computer, information gathering and intelligence gathering.

    Pantami said, “It is because of this we feel that if 5G is deployed in Nigeria, it will support our economic development, not only within the ICT sector alone, but all other sectors will leverage on the key enabler of their success.”

    At the time of filing this report, the outcome of the auction of the 3.5GHz spectrum band by the NCC was still being expected.

  • GITEX 2020: Nigeria to benefit from $50m Start-up investment

    GITEX 2020: Nigeria to benefit from $50m Start-up investment

    The Federal Government on Sunday, says about 50 million dollars foreign investments is already being attracted into the economy for the support of various start-ups in the country through its digital economy and innovations policy.

    The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, shortly after unveiling Nigeria’s Pavillion at the 2020 40th Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX).

    Pantami noted that the journey of start-ups is a tough one, but urged them to be consistent and steadfast as the breakthroughs might come after several years.

    According to him, Nigeria was not lacking in terms of innovative ideas, stating that it was the plan of the government to identify the challenges confronting the start-ups and see how government could assist them.

    The minister pointed out that start-ups in Lagos and Abuja have really made Nigeria proud as they keep attracting foreign investments into the country.

    “The start ups need to be mentored, any start-ups without mentorship cannot be successful on the platter of gold, you need to be patient, and consistent.

    “You have to be steadfast and partake in critical thinking as well as be analytic. The main challenge is not about funding, but mentoring. That is why our focus now is on mentoring our young start-ups.

    “We are also providing the enabling environment for them to thrive, so you discover that in the proposed finance bill 2020, there is reduction in small and medium enterprises taxes.

    “If we are able to implement this plan in the next five years, our start-ups are going to be celebrated not only in Nigeria, but globally,” he added.

    Pantami recalled that Amazon became a global brand with huge profit today after several years of trials and failures, expressing confidence that Nigeria start-ups which attracted the 50 million dollars investments gives hope that the future would be bright for the country.

    Mr Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in his address,said about ten Nigerian start-ups would be showcasing their innovations in Dubai this year.

    He reiterated the commitment of NITDA to continue encouraging all Nigerians to invest and participate in efforts that would boost innovation and digital economy in the country.

    GITEX is the biggest annual consumer computer and electronics trade show, exhibition, and conference in the Middle East and East Africa, that takes place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

    The 2020 GITEX which started on Dec. 6 and expected to end on Dec. 10.

  • Nigeria becomes official partner of GITEX organizer

    Nigeria becomes official partner of GITEX organizer

    After participating in seven consecutive editions of Gulf Information Technology and Exhibition, (GITEX) Nigeria has been incorporated by the Dubai World Trade Centre, the organiser of the event as a partner.

    GITEX is an annual consumer computer, information technology, and electronics show, conference and exhibition that takes place in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

    The event is the biggest Information Technology show in Asia, Middle East and Africa with over 1200 innovative technology enterprises and startup. Also over 60 countries comprise various government establishment participate.

    The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Pantami, who leads the Nigeria delegation revealed the incorporation of the country today while declaring the Nigeria pavilion opened on behalf of the President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The minister who was highly delighted over the development said “I am glad that Nigeria has been incorporated into the official partners of Dubai World Trade Centre organiser of GITEX. It is highly commendable that we are now part and parcel of the event.”

    He stated further that the nation’s participation at the annual global event is to cross fertilize ideas and technological innovations that will facilitate the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, (NEDPS) plans of the government which was launched in 2019.

    “As we can see, participation is all about cross fertilization of innovations and ideas; we are not here to participate just to see what is taken place rather to ensure that we get more investors that are willing to invest in Nigeria and secondly bro get technological transfered ideas and innovations,” he said.

    The minister who recalled that the nation’s participation in the last edition was a huge success by the winning of first price by a Nigerian on Artificial Intelligence category was is hopeful that Nigeria start ups at this year event would perform far better.

    Dr Pantami noted that active participation and attendance at of Nigeria’s delegates at conferences and seminar would be beneficial to the nation’s digital economy agenda.

    “Whatever we learnt from here or ideas we shared with others are going to be beneficial to our country; you may recall that we have developed National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy for Digital Nigeria which has eight pillars and I do know that our participation here will facilitate the implementation of all the eight pillars, he said.

    The Minister declared that the NEDPS and the National Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Policy which work on it has reached advanced stage are two prerequisites to building an indigenous digital economy for a digital Nigeria which would ensure attainment of digital innovation and indigenous digital entrepreneurship.

  • Pantami inaugurates 2 ministerial inter-agency committees on completed projects

    The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has inaugurated two inter-agency committees with the mandate to review, collate, commission and communicate in local languages Information and Communication Technology (ICT) projects implemented for Nigerians under President Muhammadu Buhari.

    The two Ministerial committees which are Completed Projects Review Committee and Committee on Media Engagmeent in Local Languages are chaired by Ayuba Shuaibu Executive Secretary, Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) and Dr. Usman Gambo Abdullahi, Director, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) respectively.

    Membership of the committees are drawn from all the five agencies supervised by the Ministry including NCC, NITDA, Galaxy Backbone, NIGCOMSAT and NIPOST

    Pantami stated that while the Ministry and the agencies had successfully complemented a number of projects across the geo-political zones in the country which have great benefits to Nigerians, the existence of these projects have not been sufficiently communicated to the public in our local languages.

    According to Pantami, “there has not been so much awareness creation on the presence of these projects among Nigerians who are the ultimate beneficiaries.”

    In concrete terms, the Minister said the responsibility of the Ministerial Committee on Completed Projects Review and Commissioning is to collate all the laudable projects and then organise a virtual commissioning in order to bring them to the consciousness of Nigerians.

    On the responsibility of the Ministerial Committee Media Engagement in Nigerian Languages, Pantami said the committee will work to ensure awareness creation about the projects, their locations and benefits to Nigerians using local languages such as Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba and Fulfude spoken in the zone where the projects are sited.

    The Minister further tasked the committee members to work with a sense of synergy and purpose towards delivering the national assignments within the timelines set, adding that he and the heads of agency would provide necessary interventions and supports to the committees towards delivering on their terms of reference whenever needed.

    Present at the inauguration are the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta; Kasifu Abdullah, Director General, NITDA; and Dr. Abimbola Alale, Managing Director, NIGCOMSAT.

  • FG plans 90% broadband penetration in 5 years

    The Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, said that the digital economy plan launched by President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday aimed at extending broadband penetration to 90 per cent of Nigerians in five years.

     

    “This plan aims at providing broadband for 90 per cent of Nigerians over the next five years at download rates of 25Mbps in urban areas and 10 Mbps in rural areas.

     

    “The plan aims for a maximum price of N390 per gigabyte of data,” he explained.

     

    This was at the inauguration of four projects of the ministry, including the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) Annex, at Mbora district of Abuja by President Buhari.

     

    Pantami said the project of digitisation was imminent at the instance of corona virus outbreak in Nigeria.

     

    Pantami said that the projects were in line with the revised mandate of the ministry as a result of its redesignation, adding that they also aligned with the priorities of the Federal Government.

     

    He said that the implementation of the broadband would support the diversification efforts of the government.

     

    He further explained that digital economy was heavily reliant on the availability of cost effective broadband, among others.

     

    “The unfortunate realities of the COVID-19 has made it imperative to build and depend on a sector of the economy that is more resilient to global economic shocks than the oil sector,” he said.

     

    On his part, Executive vice chairman, NCC , Prof. Umar Danbatta reiterate that with the Federal Government’s support, increasing broadband penetration would facilitate the efficiency of the Emergency Communication centre (ECC) and development of digital innovation.

     

    Danbatta described the launch of the projects as a reflection of growth and development in the Information Communications Technology (ICT) sector.

     

    He said that the projects commenced with the National Telecom Policy and the full liberalisation of the telecommunications industry.

     

    According to him, the NCC has also facilitated the establishment of the Emergency Communications Centres (ECC) across the Country.

     

    “The establishment of the ECCs is in line with the Commission’s mandate under section 107 of NCA 2003, to promote and enhance public safety through the use of a particular number designed as the universal safety.

     

    “Consequently, the NCC allocated the Toll-Free 3-digit number ‘112’ as the Universal Emergency Communications telephone number in Nigeria.

     

    “Through this dedicated number, members of the public can conveniently access help when in distress by simply dialling 112 from any of the networks at no cost.

     

    “This toll-free number can help distressed persons access help from the Police, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Fire and Ambulance Services, National Emergency Management Agency.”

     

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the projects include: unveiling of Nigerian National Broadband Plan 2020-2025, official commissioning of the communications centre and 112 toll-free number,

     

    There was also the flag off of the digital inovation and entrepreneurship training.

     

    NAN also reports that the ministry has commenced the establishment of an Emergency Communications Centre (ECC) in each of the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

  • Pantami inaugurates committee on national digital economy policy

    Pantami inaugurates committee on national digital economy policy

    The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, has inaugurated experts review committee for the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS).

    Pantami, who inaugurated the committee on Monday Abuja, said that digital economy had dominated the world and gave a background of how the policy came decision came about.

    He explained that the review was to bring all documents together for discussion and added to the different aspects of the NDEPS in ways that were seamless and easy to assess.

    He said that it would enable Nigeria to have a slice of the global digital economy, which experts valued at 11.5 trillion dollars or approximately 16 per cent of the global economy.

    According to him, the President came up with this idea of developing a digital economy policy for Nigeria in 2019.

    He said that the issue was presented to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the ministry started the implementation immediately.

    “We have been working on the document simultaneously. There are things that are generally strategic.

    “There are many pillars we have started implementing since. The draft of the policy was not produced in Nigeria.

    “We engaged some of our friends and stakeholders to develop this policy.
    “When we engage people from outside the country and they may not be able to know some of our challenges and peculiar data of the industry or bureaucracy of the government.

    “The value is expected to grow significantly in coming years.
    “The world economic forum has predicted that over 60 per cent of global GDP will be digitised by 2022.
    “In the next decade, digital platforms will be used to create close to 70 per cent of new value.

    “It is because of this that all the eight pillars we came up, we did so on our own personal work.”

    He called on the committee to look into the pillars critically, work on it and see how it can be improved.
    He added that all the parastatal agencies under the ministry had a role to play on the national policy.

    Prof. Mohammed Abubakar, Managing Director, Galaxy Backbone (GBB) congratulated Pantami for coming up with such development that would help digital economy in the country and urged the committee not to take their duties lightly.

    He also said that six of the pillars had to do with the GBB as it was part of the agency’s mandate to provide Information Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure for the pillars to be achieved and for the actualisation of a digital Nigeria.

    Earlier, the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Pro. Umar Danbatta, wished the committee a good deliberation during their discussions.

  • Why Boko Haram leader wants Buhari’s minister’s ‘head’

    Why Boko Haram leader wants Buhari’s minister’s ‘head’

    Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau has released a video in which he specifically threatened President Muhammadu Buhari, and principally his minister, Dr. Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the 9 minutes video, created on Thursday 13th February 2020, surfaced on the Internet, showing Shekau reeling out threats principally against Pantami.

    In the video, the Boko Haram leader, speaking in the Hausa language, accused Pantami of trying to frustrate his efforts in pursuing his extremist Islamic agenda by causing unimaginable catastrophe in the nation.

    The Boko Haram leader stressed he was speaking directly to those who pretend to be good Muslims, and that not because Pantami can preach in English or because he is called a doctor, it means he has the knowledge of Islam.

    From the video, it was immediately clear that the erratic Boko Haram leader is angered by the new policy direction the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy has taken under the leadership of Pantami.

    “This is a message I am sending out was created on Thursday 13th February. As the leader of Jamaatul Ahlil Sunna liddawati wal jihad (Boko Haram), I am speaking directly to those who pretend to be good Muslims while they are not. God will judge the hypocrites of Islam who use the platform of religion to achieve their selfish gains.

    “We don’t judge people until we are sure of what we have seen in them. This video message is specifically released because of one man, who thinks he is knowledgeable. I want him to archive this message and continue referring to it till his death comes. From today onward, you will continue to live in sorrow, because I, Shekau, say so.

    “This warning is for Isa All Panatami; don’t think simply because you preach in English or because you are called a doctor, it means you have knowledge of Islam. You know nothing. Today you have become a minister, and you are feeling you can achieve your selfish ends. You must know that speaking English has nothing to do with Islam.

    “You said you are going to block phone lines and other means of communication, to frustrate the activities of Boko Haram, right. But you must understand that we don’t depend on such to take out our messages. Our messengers are like the angels of God. How dare you attempt to stop the works we are doing for the creator of the heavens and earth, simply because you have become a slave to the white world and the country. We pity you if you don’t repent.

    “I swear to God, you are nothing. Initially, we have not begrudged with you, but now you have become a slave to the infidels; repent now and become a good Muslim. If you don’t comply from now on, death will come to you, Isa Ali Pantami.

    “I call on my members in Africa, in Nigeria to rise and do the needful. Let them know that what we did to Sheik Jafar is just the tip of the iceberg. Anywhere you see Isa Ali Pantami, don’t spare him. Isa Ali Pantami you are nothing; even Jafar tried the same thing but we dealt with him; talk less of you that is nothing in Islamic practice. And from today on, you would not have rest of mind because you have dared God,” Shekau said in the video.

    Recall that in order to curb crimes in the country, Pantami had in a statement issued by his Technical Assistant, Information Technology, Dr Femi Adeluyi, directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to revise the policy on SIM Card registration, and usage.

    According to the statement, the directive is in line with the powers of the Minister as stated in Section 25(1) of the Nigerian Communications Act 2003- “the Minister shall, in writing, from time to time notify the Commission or and express his views on the general policy direction of the Federal Government in respect of the communications sector.”

    The revision of the policy was based on feedback received from security agencies, following the successful revalidation of improperly registered SIM cards in September 2019, and the eventual blocking of those that failed to revalidate their SIM cards.

    The updated policy, TNG learnt, is expected to include the following provisions, amongst others: ensure that the National Identity Number (NIN) becomes a prerequisite for Nigerians registering new SIM cards, while for foreigners, their passports and visas would be required.

    For already registered SIM cards, users are expected to update their SIM cards with their National Identity Number (NIN) on or before 1st of December, 2020.

    According to the statement, NCC will ensure that only fully accredited agents support the SIM card registration process without pre-registering SIM cards themselves, while the eventual registration should be done by the operators.

    When the policy is implemented, there would be a maximum number of SIM cards that can be tied to a single individual, possibly a maximum of 3; and NCC will nsure that no unregistered SIMs are ever allowed on mobile networks.

    The NCC will also ensure that subscribers can easily check the number of SIM cards registered to their name, along with the associated phone numbers and networks; and also ensure that mobile network operators fortify their networks against cyberattacks and ensure that they adhere to the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).

    Also, the NCC will ensure that SIM cards that have been used to perpetrate crimes are permanently deactivated; and provide the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy with progress reports on the implementation of the revised policy.

    In line with the directive, recently, the Minister called on the newly inaugurated Board of the NCC to ensure linking up of SIM card registration to National Identification Card (ID Card) and Bank Verification Number (BVN).

    Pantami, who made the call at the inauguration of the Board, which was held at the ministry’s headquarters, in Abuja, said that it was an important step to take as it was part of the policy of the present administration.

    “Try to see how our SIM registration will be linked up to our national identification card. It is also very important so that our BVN will all be linked up with our digital ID,” he said.

    According to him, “the policy is with regard to our achievement on handling 9.4 million SIM cards, some are partially registered, some not completely registered.

    “After that, President Muhammadu Buhari directed me to share that information with security agencies and also ask for their opinion on how to consolidate that achievement.

    “As part of what they have sent to us, some responded that there are issues that we must address. One of them is the total number of registered SIM cards that each Nigerian should be allowed to have without difficulty”.

    He further suggested that every individual should possibly have three SIM cards as regards the policy sent to the NCC as part of regulation to the board.

    The Minister advised that when individuals would need additional SIM cards from the agreed number, they should provide justification in order to acquire more than the agreed number.

    “In the document policy we have sent, we say possibly three, as part of regulation the board; we said possibly, possibly is not final. So it is flexible. This is based on what the Minister of Defence has sent to us,” he said.

    All these are with the view to ensure citizen data harmonization in the country, which will aid in fighting against crimes in the society.

    Recall that in view of this, the Minister recently chaired a meeting of the Sub Committee on Citizen Data Harmonization.

    It will be recalled that the citizen data management committee was recently constituted by President Buhari with the mandate to address all concerns raised by the US government.

    Given the foregoing, the fury of Shekau might not be unconnected with these recent developments in the telecoms sector. Citizen data harmonization is a pain for Shekau, so that the Boko Haram leader went haywire to the extent of threatening Buhari; the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Yusuf Buratai; a host of journalists and some other individuals.

    Shekau said in the video: “And you, President Buhari, you said you are almost 80 years old and you are busy going about, and now your people have started booing, right? You just wait for your angels of death.

    “And you Buratai, the chief of army staff; you tired right? Wait for your day.

    “The journalists on BBC, Radio German, Radio France International, Dandal Kura, national dailies, be very careful in all that you write about us. We are not dealing with you people, we are doing the work of God. Our trust is in God and not in human beings.

    “We have understood your evil plots against the religion of God, and your hypocrisy has been made known to us. Go on and plot against us in secret, we too shall converge in secret and plot against you and see who will take the day.

    “However, this video is purely created because of Isa Ali Pantami. And you Bulama Bukarti in England; you heard my words in the past. All these names I mention are insignificant elements.

    “And you President Buhari, simply because some persons told you that they have killed our commanders, so now you are emboldened and you want to kill Shekau, right? Who is Shekau, a small person to you? But you are now in trouble Mr. Buhari; you are in big trouble. I am still here, that little boy that has defied the leaders of the world. I am still around, you just wait, it will soon be over before we all meet in the hereafter”.

    Recall that this would not be the first time the Boko Haram leader would be sending threats to President Buhari.

    In 2016, Shekau had vowed to capture Buhari in a video that went viral.

    In the video which was posted on YouTube, and naratted in Hausa Shekau said it was using the medium to send out message that it remained a strong force.

    Shekau, however, did not appeared in the 2016 video, but the narrator said his deputy, whose name was not mentioned, represented him at the gathering.

    Recorded in composite to capture two Eid grounds, the group stated its willingness to continue its jihad against the Nigerian state.

    The group also called Mr. Buhari an infidel and threatened to capture him.

    “This is our eid prayer from us and by the support of our leader Imam Abubakar Al-Shekau. We are extending our greetings to our people and fighters.

    Meanwhile, Nigerians have began praying for the Minister.

    https://twitter.com/ummynatty/status/1228667719182094336?s=19

  • Minister urges NCC board to link SIM cards, national ID cards, BVN

    The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, has called on the newly inaugurated Board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to link up simcard registration to national Identification Card (ID Card) and Bank Verification Number (BVN).

    Pantami, who made the call at the inauguration, which held at the ministry’s headquarters on Thursday, in Abuja, said that it was an important step to take as it was part of the policy of the present administration.

    “Try to see how our sim registration will be linked up to our national identification card.

    “It is also very important so that our BVN will all be linked up with our digital ID,” he said.

    According to him, the policy is with regard to our achievement on handling 9.4 million sim cards, some are partially registered, some not completely registered.

    “After that, President Muhammadu Buhari directed me to share that information with security agencies and also ask for their opinion on how to consolidate that achievement.

    “As part of what they have sent to us, some responded that there are issues that we must address.

    “One of them is total number of registered sim cards that each Nigerian should be allowed to have without difficulty.”

    He further suggested that every individual should possibly have three sim cards as regards the policy sent to the NCC as part of regulation to the board.

    The minister adviced that when individuals would need additional sim cards from the agreed number, they should provide justification in order to acquire more than the agreed number.

    “In the document policy we have sent, we say possibly three, as part of regulation the board; we said possibly, possibly is not final.

    “So it is flexible. This is based on what the Minister of Defence has sent to us,” he said.

    Pantami urged the board members to work hard and not to take their work lightly.

    In his remarks, The Board Chairman, Prof. Adeolu Akande, expressed happiness and gratitude for the opportunity and support to be of service to the commission.

    Akande, who spoke on behalf of the newly-inaugurated board, promised on behalf of the board and management of NCC to meet up and exceed the minister’s expectations.

    He thanked the minister for standing by them during their screening in the National Assembly.

    The Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) NCC, Prof Umaru Danbatta thanked the minister for giving a full compliment to NCC’s governing board.

    Danbatta wished the newly inaugurated board success in the discharge of their duties.

  • Pantami says cybercrime travels at speed of light, advocates awareness

    The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, has said that cybercrime travels at the speed of light while cyber security travels at the speed of law.

    He stated this at the maiden Cyber Security Conference organised by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), on Thursday in Abuja noting that awareness was key to secure cyberspace.
    The conference was tagged: “Strengthening the Security and Resilience of the Nation’s Communications Infrastructure’’

    The minister further explained that the bill to check the threat was not something that could be enacted within a day or two, adding that cybercrime did not respect the law.

    “We should ensure that we secure our cyberspace through creating awareness; awareness is key, let people understand that when you go online you are exposed.
    “You need to take some precautions to ensure that you minimise the risks of exposing yourself to it.
    “If we create that awareness, it will go a long way in reducing the cybercrime we have in Nigeria.

    “Many people do not know the implication of receiving emails without knowing the source and just go and open the attachment.
    “This is one of the ways that our systems are being compromised and secondly through using pirated supplies.

    “We usually look at the cheapest one. If we go for the cheaper one, the probability of compromising our system is high.
    “We need to be updating our applications whether on our Smart phones or anywhere,” Pantami said.

    Earlier, the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC) NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, said that the internet provided a vast array of prospects to individuals irrespective of their status.

    Danbatta said that with the growing volume of adoption of technologies and broad nature of the internet, came the sophistication of cyber-attacks.
    He noted that such allowed cyber criminals to attack people outside their geographical locations.

    “From social networking to businesses, to research and development, and so much more, all can be exploited by cyber criminals to carryout crimes over the medium.

    He said that both technical measures and appropriate legal instruments must be put in place to enhance the resilience and integrity of ICT infrastructure and also to safeguard cyberspace users.

    The EVC informed the gathering that an e-fraud desk would be created in his organization to serve as a platform for reporting cases to the security agencies for further investigations and prosecution.

    According to Danbatta, the NCC is committed to making sure that the Internet has less cyber criminals, through educating members of the public on the negative impacts of cybercrime.
    He stressed the need to limit the impacts by putting in place some initiatives, such as:

    “To collaborate with relevant stakeholders to embark on a nationwide Cyber security awareness campaign starting with the FCT and extending to all 36 states of the federation, targeting at young school children.

    “To enlighten them on Internet etiquettes, Cybercrime and its Penalties in line with the Nigerian Cybercrime Act 2015, and protection against Cybercriminals.

    “Establishmet of a Cyber Security Incidence Response Team (CSIRT) Centre to help serve as the single national point of contact for international coordination of Cyber security incidents in Nigeria.

    “To create Technical Framework for the Use of Social Media Network in Nigeria.
    Danbatta said the objective “is to provide the baseline for Social Media governance, policy, and procedures to guide individuals, businesses or the government on the use of social media.”

    The conference was to introduce cyber insurance, bridging the cyber workforce gap and strengthening national cooperation.
    It was also for exchange of information and development of comprehensive strategies to curb cybercrimes.

    The programme, which will be annual, will address the cyber security challenges confronting the communications industry in Nigeria.

  • No honeymoon, hit the ground running, Pantami charges new NCC board chairman

    No honeymoon, hit the ground running, Pantami charges new NCC board chairman

    The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has given the new Chairman, Board of Commissioners of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Adeolu Akande, a marching order to hit the ground running by providing necessary direction for effective regulation of the telecom industry in Nigeria.

    Pantami gave the charge on Thursday during the swearing-in ceremony for Akande, who is representing the South West zone, as the Chairman of NCC Board of Commissioners, and Chief Uche Onwude, the commissioner representing the South-East zone. The event took place at the Minister’s office in Abuja.

    The Minister said the NCC Board led by Akande must “hit the ground running”. The Minister, who said “there is no time for celebrations now and no time for honeymoon”, declared that “we would congratulate the NCC Board after you must have completed your tenure with resounding successes and achievements that have positive impact on Nigerians.”

    The Minister emphasised the need for the NCC Board to totally sanitise the industry of improperly-registered Subscriber Identification Number (SIM) cards and to develop regulations on the number of SIM cards an individual or organisation can have at any particular time, as well as ensure seamless integration of SIM data with the national database of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

    Meanwhile, Prof. Akande, who spoke after the oath of office, assured of his readiness to work with other members of the Board and Management team of the Commission to exceed expectation in providing quality directions for effective regulations of the nation’s telecommunications industry.

    Akande, who served as Chairman of the Board of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) before his present appointment, said there is no doubt that the NCC, as the nation’s telecom regulator, has a major role to play in the development of the Nigerian economy, especially in the area of effective regulation that can bring efficiency across sectors.

    Akande is enthusiastic that the telecommunication sector will improve its contribution to the GDP and enhance the status of the security architecture of the country.

    Prof. Akande said: “We want to thank everybody who has been with us since our nomination by the President in the last two months. There is no doubt that NCC has a major role to play in our national life at this time, especially in the area of security. For instance, many people on the street believe that security of lives and property will be bolstered once NCC is able to properly address issues connected to Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) registration, because we would have helped to resolve a critical percentage of our security issue significantly”.

    “I know our Minister is someone, who normally sets high expectations and standards. I have worked with him at NITDA and I know he is somebody who normally expects the best from his team. To this end, I give you the commitment of the Board and management of NCC to work together to meet and exceed expectations,” he said. Akande also thanked all relatives and friends who attended the event.

    Akande, a professor of political science and notable scholar of media and politics, was nominated by President Muhammadu Buhari as Chairman of NCC Board on December 23, 2019. He was subsequently confirmed on February 5, 2020 by the Senate, the upper chamber of Nigeria’s federal bicameral legislature.

    With the swearing-in of Akande and Onwude, NCC now has a fully-constituted Board of Commissioners as stipulated in the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003, and all the six geopolitical zones are represented on the Board.

    While giving the Vote of Thanks, Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, expressed the Commission’s gratitude to the Minister for his continuous support to the Commission and requested the Minister to kindly convey the Commission’s appreciation to the President for “ensuring that we now have the full complement of the NCC board members.”