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Tag: Isa Ali Pantami

  • Pantami tasks Danbatta, NCC on digital economy

    Pantami tasks Danbatta, NCC on digital economy

    Following the reappointment of Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta as the Executive Vice Chairman (EVC)/CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for another five-year term, the Hon. Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has charged the EVC and the entire Management of the Commission to redouble their efforts towards actualising the digital economy agenda of the Federal Government.

    The Minister spoke when the Executive Management of the Commission led by Prof. Danbatta paid him a courtesy visit on Monday.

    According to the Minister, the proactive decision to recommend Danbatta’s reappointment to the President for approval was “to ensure stability in the telecommunications industry and consolidate on the gains and successes already recorded in the industry in the last five years of Danbatta’s leadership as the EVC of NCC.”

    Pantami, however, emphasised the need for Danbatta-led NCC Management to work more harmoniously with the Ministry and Agencies towards ensuring effective implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) as well as thorough implementation of the new National Broadband Plan (NBP), 2020-2025.

    “The success of the Commission is our collective responsibility. While we, as a Ministry, do our best to formulate general industry policy and supervise the activities of the Commission, I will urge the NCC family to be united, remove all lines of demarcation, ensure justice, fairness in all decisions and above all, ensure harmonious relationships. This task lies on the table of the EVC,” he pointed out.

    Speaking further, Dr. Pantami reminded the EVC that the focus of President Muhammadu Buhari is currently to boost digital economy, which, he said, has become even more important following the experience of COVID-19 pandemic that has left many individuals and organisations relying more on digital platforms for work and collaboration.

    “So, we expect the NCC, as the telecoms Regulator, to take the issue of digital economy very seriously and give it all the attention it deserves within Commission,” he said.

    Speaking earlier, the EVC appreciated the Minister’s role in his reappointment and reiterated his commitment to taking the Commission to greater heights.

    “I consider my reappointment as the EVC of NCC for another five years, as an honour and a show of the confidence the Hon. Minister and the President have in our efforts at NCC in the last five years. We would like to assure the Hon. Minister of our commitment, as a Commission, to work with the Ministry and other Agencies under the Ministry’s supervision towards advancing the frontiers of digital economy in Nigeria,” the EVC said.

    Those who accompanied the EVC during the visit include the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, Engr. Ubale Maska; the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholders Management, Barr. Adeleke Adewolu; Secretary, Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF), Shu’aibu Ayuba; and Director, Legal and Regulatory Services, Mrs. Yetunde Akinloye.

    Others are the Director, Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement, Mr. Efosa Idehen; Director, Public Affairs, Dr. Henry Nkemadu: Director Licensing and Authorisation, Mohammed Babajika and Director, Human Capital and Administration, Barr. Usman Malah, among other management staff.

  • Reps set to unravel alleged massive fraud ongoing in NIGCOMSAT

    Reps set to unravel alleged massive fraud ongoing in NIGCOMSAT

    While the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Pantami was holding a virtual meeting with Chief Executive Officers under his Ministry, including with Dr. Abimbola Alale, the Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT, members of the House of Representatives were setting in motion forensic probe of activities of the operators of the Nigerian Communications Satellite systems.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the House of Representatives on Tuesday mandated the Committees on Information Technology (ICT) and Finance to carry out a forensic audit of the activities of the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited from inception to date and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

    The mandate followed a motion moved by Rep. Ndudi Elumelu on the need to investigate the alleged sleaze, misappropriation and non-profitability of the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited, which was voted on and adopted, after it was seconded by Rep. Idem Unyime.

    It could be recalled that in 2006 the federal government incorporated the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited with the aim of revolutionizing the information and communications technology system in Nigeria as well as to improve national security, broadcasting, internet access, e-governance, health and the educational sectors of the country.

    Because the vision of NIGCOMSAT was for it to be the leading satellite operator and service provider in Africa, the company in 2007 launched the first geostationary Communications Satellite in Sub-Saharan Africa to exploit the commercial viability of the country’s communications satellite for its socio-economic benefits.

    According to the House, it took the Nigerian government the sum of $340 million of tax payers money to build the NIGCOMSAT-l and a further N43 billion from the federal allocation as running cost and another $127 million as debt servicing to the Chinese Government, but that there is little or nothing to show for these huge investments.

    The House raised concern that while the fixed-satellite service business has proven lucrative in so many countries with a worth estimate of the global space as high as N160.26 trillion and 75% of this coming from commercial revenues, NIGCOMSAT is yet to get a slice of the pie and has generated zero revenue.

    Members of the House were disturbed that even though the company has not been able to make contributions to the nation’s revenue, it has been riddled with series of allegations ranging from contract scam to the tune of N8 billion, to bribery of government agents and withholding of vital documents to ensure the cover-up of the massive irregularities against the management of the company.

    The House was also disturbed that, at a time, a Managing Director of the Company was alleged to have wrongfully declared her assets and signed off the company’s Direct-to-Home (DTH) facility to NIGUS International Investment Ltd (a company owned by the father in law of the Head of DTH) after she acquired shares in NIGUS through proxies.

    The House was worried by the allegations that the management of the company breached government policy on procurement by ensuring that procurement matters are handled strictly between the offices of the Managing Director and that of the Legal Adviser, which is a breach of the country’s financial regulations.

    The House also expressed worry that between September and December 2011, the management of NIGCOMSAT paid Fasaha Intercontinental Insurance Brokers Ltd the sum of N5 billion for insurance premium of the lunch of NIGCOMSAT-1R Satellite which is a non-consultant job that requires the approval of the Federal Executive Council, and according to the House, such unguarded expenditures have made the company unable to meet the financial obligations owed to the nation and if left unchecked, will result in further loss of the nation’s scarce revenue.

    Meanwhile, the House has mandated the Committees on Information Technology (ICT) and Finance to carry out a forensic audit of the activities of the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited from inception to date and report back within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.

    However, while the House was setting the mechanism for the probe in motion, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy was holding a virtual meeting with Chief Executive Officers under his Ministry, including with Dr. Abimbola Alale, the Managing Director of NIGCOMSAT.

    The meeting discussed the successes recorded so far, which Pantami said have been vindicated by unprecedented contribution of ICT to GDP of 14.07% in the 1st Quarter of 2020; securing telecommunications infrastructure; resolving the challenges of right of way in certain States; free access to certain websites on COVID-19 update; providing digital platforms for MDAs; free text messages on COVID-19 updates to Nigerians.

    Meanwhile, the House Committees on Information Technology (ICT) and Finance were yet to fix a date for the questioning of those involved in the alleged sleaze, misappropriation and non-profitability of the Nigerian Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Limited.

  • FG tells network operators to reduce data, call charges

    FG tells network operators to reduce data, call charges

    The federal government has called on mobile network operators in Nigeria to further reduce the price of data and calls for citizens since the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a massive migration to digital platforms.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Dr Isa Ali Pantami, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy made the call following an approval made by President Muhammadu Buhari for the protection of telecoms infrastructure across the country.

    The Minister, in a statement by Uwa Suleiman (Mrs), Spokesperson to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, revealed that Buhari has approved and also directed that necessary physical protective measures be emplaced to safeguard telecommunications infrastructure deployed across the country.

    According to the statement, the reduction of data and call charges should be done by the mobile network operators in the country to reciprocate the gesture of the government of protecting and safeguarding telecoms infrastructure across the country.

    TNG reports the Nigerian telecommunications industry depends on a number of infrastructure that play a critical role in the smooth delivery of telecoms services. These are part of critical national infrastructure because of the important role they play in ensuring security and in the delivery of other essential services.

    As part of the policy of the federal government, Pantami championed efforts to identify telecommunications infrastructure as critical national infrastructure, with a view to protecting them from vandalization and theft, amongst other things.

    The statement reads: “The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, has led to a massive migration to digital platforms and has increased the level of importance of Critical National Infrastructure to the sustenance of our economy and the security of the nation.

    “The Honourable Minister is delighted to inform stakeholders in the telecommunications industry that, His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has approved and also directed that necessary physical protective measures be emplaced to safeguard telecommunications infrastructure deployed across the country.

    “The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Department of State Security Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), have been notified of Mr President’s directive.

    “We are also working towards the reinforcement of these directives through appropriate regulatory instruments. Dr Pantami specially appreciates the security institutions, and commends the commitment they have demonstrated in securing these infrastructure.

    “The implementation of the National Broadband Plan (NBP) and the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, both unveiled by Mr. President, have repositioned the ICT sector.

    “This is evident by the recent ‘Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product Report’ released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) which showed that the ICT sector contributed an unprecedented 14.07% to the total real GDP in the first quarter of 2020.

    “The Honorable Minister is truly grateful for the timely approval of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, and we are confident that this will address the challenge of vandalism of our Critical National Infrastructure. It will also go a long way in supporting the implementation of the National Broadband Plan (2020-2025).

    “Finally, the Federal Government strongly urges the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to ensure that they further reduce the price of data and calls for citizens. This is to reciprocate this gesture, and to submit a comprehensive list of their facility locations all over the country”.

  • Kaduna surpasses Ekiti record for broadband investment, as more States join race

    Kaduna, Imo, Katsina and Plateau States have joined Ekiti State in implementing the right of way charges pegged at a maximum of N145 per linear metre as approved by the National Executive Council (NEC).

    Recall that Governor of Ekiti, Kayode Fayemi had signed an executive order reducing the right of way charges related to the laying of broadband or any other telecommunications infrastructures from N4,500 to N145 per meter.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the development made Ekiti the first State in Nigeria to comply with the NEC resolution, thus becoming the cheapest State for broadband infrastructure investment in Nigeria as 1km of cable will now cost just N145,000 as against N4.5m previously.

    However, the right of way charges in Kaduna have been completely waived, while Katsina, Plateau and Imo States joined Ekiti in pegging the charges at a maximum N145 per linear metre.

    Meanwhile, Dr Femi Adeluyi, Technical Assistant (Information Technology) to Dr Isa Ali Pantami, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, has stated that the actions of the States Governors are commendable.

    He stated that the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy was delighted to hear about the strides that have been made by the executive Governors.

    According to a statement by Dr Adeluyi, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo signed Executive Order No. 002, 2020, ratifying the federal government policy on the 20th of May 2020.

    The statement reads: “The actions of the Governors are truly commendable. They also align with the resolution of the State Governors under the auspices of the Governors’ Forum on the 22nd of January 2020 to address the lingering issue of Right of Way (RoW) charges in a bid to deepen broadband penetration in the country and promote a Digital Economy for a Digital Nigeria.

    “At that meeting the Executive Governors had resolved to adopt the 2013 resolutions reached by the National Economic Council (NEC) which agreed on a maximum RoW charge of N145 per linear meter of fibre. Implementing this resolution will go a long way in implementing the National Broadband Plan (NBP) which was launched by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, on the 19th of March 2020.

    “An increase in broadband access will have a positive impact on the economy of the various States as well as the entire country. One of the key benefits is the rapid growth in the gross domestic product (GDP) of any country that increases its broadband penetration. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown how important broadband is in supporting economies around the world.

    “The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy congratulates and commends the Executive Governors of Kaduna, Imo, Katsina and Plateau States for these very important actions.

    “We would like to encourage other Executive Governors to do the same in order to support the development of our digital economy, facilitate digital literacy and accelerate broadband penetration across the country.

    “This will also improve our Gross Domestic Product (GDP)”.

  • NITDA seeks strict compliance as Nigeria automates IT projects clearance to curb corruption

    NITDA seeks strict compliance as Nigeria automates IT projects clearance to curb corruption

    Designed to support President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against corruption, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has fully automated the process for the clearance of Information Technology (IT) projects in Nigeria.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Director General and CEO of NITDA made this known on Wednesday while stressing that automation of the IT Projects Clearing House mandate will serve to curb wastage and mismanagement of public funds on frivolous IT projects.

    “The IT Projects Clearance regulation is designed to ensure that IT projects are properly conceptualized and executed in line with global best practices. Furthermore, it is designed to support Mr President’s fight against corruption by curbing the wastages and mismanagement of public funds on frivolous IT projects,” said the NITDA boss.

    According to him, the clearance process is designed also to, among others: track government spending in IT and ensure synergy in national investments; ensure the availability of accurate statistics on Government’s IT assets and Investments to help government make informed IT decisions; prevent mismanagement of public funds and development of projects in silos where significant resources can be integrated to save costs, promote shared services, interoperability and improve efficiency; and ensure that the technology being implemented is up to date and suitable for the country from the point of view of security and the environment.

    NITDA, in line with its mandate to regulate the practice of IT in the public sector, had in November 2016 issued statements calling on Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and other establishments of the federal government to submit for clearance IT Projects to be executed before commencement of such projects.

    Recall also that a Federal Government Circular 59736/S.2C.II/125 of 31st August, 2018 and signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, mandates all MDAs to submit their IT Projects for clearance by NITDA.

    The circular went further to state that Government Agencies should ensure “…strict compliance as future non-compliance will be considered a violation, which will be appropriately sanctioned….”

    Furthermore, President Buhari, during the 2018 edition of the e-Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition in November, directed that “…Defaulters of IT Clearance among the public establishments are to be reported to government….”

    According to Pantami, the unanimous verdict of MDAs and other Federal Public Institutions that have gone through the process is that, in addition to compliance with Federal Government directives, it is worthwhile and value adding.

    He noted that the process has facilitated a saving of over 13 billion naira to the Federal Government, and that automation of the process enhances transparency, accountability, efficiency and effectiveness in the process of obtaining clearance.

    “Henceforth, MDAs, Government owned companies and other Federal Public Institutions are expected to submit their projects via the IT Projects Clearance portal.

    “MDAs, all Government owned companies and other Federal Public Institutions are therefore advised to comply with these directives as non-compliance constitutes a breach of the Agency’s regulations and is considered a criminal offence, punishable under the NITDA Act 2007,” Pantami stated.

    According to him, further information can be found on the agency’s website.

    The NITDA is a Federal Government Agency established in April 2001 to implement the Nigerian Information Technology Policy as well as coordinate general IT development and regulation in the country.

    Specifically, Section 6(a, b & c) of the Act mandates NITDA to create a framework for the planning, research, development, standardization, application, coordination, monitoring, evaluation and regulation of Information Technology practices, activities and systems in Nigeria; provide guidelines to facilitate the establishment and maintenance of appropriate infrastructure for information technology and systems application and development in Nigeria for public and private sectors, urban-rural development, the economy and the government; and render advisory services in all information technology matters to the public and private sectors public including introducing appropriate information technology legislations.

     

  • IT procurement: NITDA, EFCC forge alliance to curb corruption

    The National Information Technology Development Agency, (NITDA) and the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, (EFCC) have forged alliance to strengthen the anti-corruption war especially on the procurement of Information Technology(IT) products and service among Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) of the Nigerian government.

    The two agencies inked the alliance during a working visit to EFCC Headquarter in Abuja by the Director General of NITDA, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami with his management team.

    The alliance was announced yesterday in an official statement by NITDA’s Head of Corporate and External Relations, Hadiza Umar.

    According to the statement, Pantami said the alliance has become imperative in the face of the wanton corruption being perpetrated by MDAs especially in the procurement of IT products and services as most of the projects pass through less scrutiny during budget defense at the National Assembly since the expertise required to ascertain the needs and specifications of these IT requirements are lacking within the legislative chambers.

    NITDA is government’s IT clearinghouse but until now, its mandate to scrutinize IT procurements by MDAs has largely been ignored.

    “Many MDAs consider IT projects as conduit pipes to siphon public funds and I believe partnering with EFCC will bring sanity to the sector and by then the commission will be empowering NITDA in strengthening its regulatory function through which it will also be developing and promoting the local content in the IT sector,” the NITDA boss said.

    While suggesting the modus operandi of the partnership, DrPantami informed that the two organisations could form a working group which would also serve as a desk to deal with sharp practices in IT procurement, adding that, “EFCC may help in asking MDAs to produce procurement clearance issued by NITDA during their investigations.

    He said NITDA as IT regulatory body in the country, the Agency is responsible for subjecting IT product to value-for-money analysis, reduce projects duplication, justify the spending of public funds on IT projects and to advise MDAs on the alternative options of IT products and service with a view of reducing cost especially on sharing of software among themselves.

    Pantami who believed that the alliance would strengthen the existing relationship between the Agency and the Commission said “supporting NITDA would go a long way in blocking loopholes in IT procurements.”

    He commended the EFCC’s Acting chairman for his doggedness, fearlessness and outstanding performance which he has recorded in acting capacity saying the feat could take some people 20 years to achieve as substantive chairman of the commission.

    While assuring him of his prayers and goodwill, Dr Pantami stated that Nigeria needs people like Mr. Magu who are fearless and do not think of the consequences of their action to move forward as a nation

    In his remarks, the Acting Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ibrahim Magu who expressed his delight over the visit said that EFCC as a commission “would be complying with NITDA’s request so as to bring some level of sanity to the procurement of IT products and services among MDAs in Nigeria.

    He described the partnership as timely especially now that the Commission is on the process of “completely digitalizing the operation of EFCC” adding that he now has place in NITDA to run to when he gets confuse on IT projects under investigations.

    Describing corruption as a threat to the unity of Nigeria, the EFCC boss maintained that the Commission cannot fight corruption alone without the consensus of all Nigerians, he pleaded to Nigerians not to be discouraged on the recent corruption case judgments delivered recently.

    Magu stated that the cause of agitations from different quarters in the country today is because of corruptions that has ravaged the nation. “Absolutely there is a political will to fight corruption and this is not in doubt. This is the time to save this country from the shackles of corruption,” he added

    The two organisations agreed to nominate three officials each to constitute the working group and the desk with the term of reference of verifying the IT products and services to be procured with public funds.

     

  • NITDA sets up team to implement executive order on procurement

    The Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, has assembled a team to implement the Execute Order issued by acting President Yemi Osinbajo on the procurement of information technology products and services by federal government establishments.

    “In compliance with the Federal Government’s directive that MDAs and all other institutions of the Federal Government planning to embark on IT projects must obtain clearance from NITDA, the Agency has assembled a team of experts charged with supporting MDAs with advice and guidance throughout the IT procurement process,” Director-General of NITDA, Isa Ali Pantami, disclosed in a press statement.

    Prof. Osinbajo had on May 18 issued the Executive Order to Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, of the Federal Government to support local content in procurement of IT products and services.

    Mr. Pantami called on MDAs to comply with the Executive Order on Support for Local Content in IT Procurement.

    He noted that the order is aimed at mitigating waste and mismanagement of government funds as well as ensuring that procurement of goods and services are in line with the national development goals.

    Mr. Pantami further disclosed that NITDA was strengthening its strategy to foster patronage of indigenous IT products and services in Nigeria.

    He said the strategy will make Nigerian IT products viable and promote a Local-Content-First policy in IT procurement by government establishments.

    He disclosed that NITDA has invested in building IT hubs, and incubation and acceleration centres around the country, and is partnering with private IT hubs to identify and accelerate innovative IT solutions crafting policies and guidelines that will make the Nigerian environment conducive for IT business.

    The Director-General appealed to MDAs and other stakeholders in the IT sector to support the Agency in this strategy so as to help boost the local IT industry, create new markets as well as deepen existing ones, and accelerate information technology penetration and adoption in all government services in Nigeria for better service delivery.

    NITDA was established to implement the Nigerian Information Technology Policy and co-ordinate general IT development and regulation in the country.

    Specifically, Section 6(l) of the NITDA Act mandates the agency to render advisory services in all information technology matters to the public and private sectors.