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Tag: Isa Pantami

  • Browsing the Internet now cheaper in Nigeria – FG

    Browsing the Internet now cheaper in Nigeria – FG

    Browsing the Internet in Nigeria is now cheaper compared to January 2020, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami has said.

    The Minister made this known in a statement released by his Technical Assistant for Information Technology, Dr Femi Adeluyi.

    He said this was as a result of measures put in place to significantly reduce the average cost of data in the country.

    “The average cost of 1GB of data has reduced from the January 2020 cost of N1,000 to N487.18 in November, 2020.

    “This was based on a Report by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) submitted to the Honourable Minister following the implementation of the directives,” the statement reads.

    Pantami had inaugurated a committee that developed the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (2020-2025) on the 16th of December, 2019.

    The plan was unveiled and launched by President Muhammadu Buhari on the 19th of March, 2020.

    One of the goals of the plan, according to the statement, is to reduce the average cost of 1GB of data to a maximum of N390 by 2025.

    “With the January 2020 baseline of N1,000 per GB, the maximum projected steady decrease for the end of each year was as follows: 2020 (N925), 2021 (N850), 2022 (N775), 2023 (N700), 2024 (N545) and 2025 (N390).

    “In line with Dr Pantami’s commitment to under promise and over deliver, the measures have caused the current cost of data to reduce significantly beyond the December 2020 projection of N925.

    “Based the Report by NCC, the average cost of data as at November 2020 was N487.18, which amounts to 47.33% lower than the projected value.

    “The report also indicates that the cost of data in November 2020 was less than 50% of the cost of data in January 2020.

    “The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, through the NCC, will continue to ensure that consumers enjoy a price regime that supports fairness and is friendly to consumers.

    “Policies are in place to ensure that operators adopt competitive pricing that eschews unjustifiable margins. The general public may also wish to note that complaints about rapid data depletion are also being investigated.

    “For more enquiries, the Honourable Minister has directed NCC to respond to all issues raised by our citizens and customers.

    “All hands will remain on deck to achieve the goals of the Broadband Plan as the Ministry supervises its implementation in line with our National Digital Economy Policy for a Digital Nigeria,” the statement further reads.

  • FG using SIM cards to address issues concerning national security – Pantami

    FG using SIM cards to address issues concerning national security – Pantami

    The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to tie the SIM cards of Nigerians with their NIN.

    This was contained in a statement released by Dr Femi Adeluyi, the Technical Assistant, Information Technology to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy.

    According to the statement, Pantami awaits the official invitation by the Senate concerning the role of communication devices in national security.

    He thanked the distinguished Senators for their concern and support towards improving national security.

    “The Honourable Minister has supported security agencies in their statutory duty of protecting lives and property and this is why his first action after his appointment was to issue a directive that no improperly registered subscriber identification module (SIM) be allowed to remain on our networks.

    “Based on the report submitted by the regulator (Nigerian Communications Commission) on the 26th of September 2019, there is currently no improperly registered SIM on our networks.

    “In the event of evidence to the contrary, the Honourable Minister will sanction any individual or institution found wanting.

    “Furthermore, Dr Pantami wrote to all security agencies on the 14th of October 2019 asking them to collaborate with the Ministry by contacting us whenever a crime has been aided and abetted through the use of telecommunication devices.

    “No request by security agencies for assistance in the identification of owners of SIMs used for crime has gone untreated.

    “The Honourable Minister also submitted a detailed memorandum to the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on Nigerian Security Challenges on the 12th of February 2020. It contained details on policies developed by the Ministry to enhance security.

    “In a similar vein, the Honourable Minister has directed the NCC to ensure that they put modalities in place to tie the National Identify Number (NIN) to SIMs, as well as see to it that no unregistered SIMs are sold.

    “He has also directed the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) to significantly scale up the number of monthly NIN registrations.

    “Moreover, Dr Pantami recently presented a Draft National Policy on Digital Identity for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at the Federal Executive Council (FEC) which took place on the 11th of November, 2020. The memo was approved and will support in the provision of Digital IDs for Nigerians, thus assisting in the implementation of the Policy to tie NINs to SIMs.

    “The Honourable Minister wishes to assure the Distinguished Senators and Nigerians that the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy is committed to using technology to support the growth of our economy and the security of our nation. To this end, we look forward to collaborating with the Senate and security agencies in this regard,” the statement read.

  • Nigeria gets first Artificial Intelligence, Robotics Centre

    Nigeria gets first Artificial Intelligence, Robotics Centre

    Dr Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, on Friday in Abuja, inaugurated the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics.

    The centre seeks to position the country for the Fourth Industrial Revolution that dwells on emerging technologies.

    The minister said at the inauguration that the establishment of the centre was in line with the eight pillars of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) of the Federal Government.

    He explained that the centre related to the seventh pillar of NDEPS, which is on Digital Society and Emerging Technologies.

    Pantami said also that emerging technologies included Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Robotics, Cyber security, Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, Block chain, Big Data Analytics and Cloud Computing, among others.

    “Artificial Intelligence is the refinery of the digital economy and Robotics is very useful in supporting companies as they carry out repetitive tasks.

    “These are two very important emerging technologies that will shape the face of future technologies and we have decided to be proactive to enable us to play a key role in how these technologies evolve.

    “The Fourth Industrial Revolution, fuelled by Big Data, propelled by robust computing capacity, advanced software and Artificial Intelligence is ushering new ways of living, well-being, learning, travelling and working.

    “Its innovative use-cases are quickly changing lives for the better and creating new types of jobs,’’ Pantami said.

    Other pillars that reflected the vision of the centre, he said, were the third, fifth and eighth which focused on solid infrastructure, digital services development and promotion, indigenous content development and adoption respectively.

    Pantami said, according to PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Artificial Intelligence would have huge impact on healthcare, automotive, financial services, retail and consumer, technology, communications and entertainment, manufacturing, energy, transport and logistics.

    According to him, all these translate into a significant global economic impact as cited by several sources and Nigeria must not be left out, hence, the call for immediate action.

    “It is predicted that by 2025, Artificial Intelligence will be a 190-billion-dollars business as 83 per cent of companies are also reported to state that it is their strategic priority for the future.

    “Artificial Intelligence has a significant impact in all sectors and has played a very important role in the fight against COVID-19.

    “There are 12 million robotic units worldwide in 2020 and this is expected to increase by 12 per cent by 2022,’’ he said.

    He, however, disagreed that the use of robotics could lead to loss of jobs and said that reports showed that deploying robotics led to the employment of about 150,000 people globally in engineering and assembly jobs.

    He also said there were already existing regulations such as the Nigerian Data Protection Regulation, the National Broadband Plan, the National Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Policy, among others to drive the activities of the centre.

    Pantami said the centre would serve as a leading hub of innovation, research and development, knowledge transfer, and training in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Robotics and other emerging technologies.

    “This centre will also serve the purpose of creating a vision for Artificial Intelligence in the country, identifying Artificial Intelligence-driven use-cases; support data stewardship and develop an Artificial Intelligence ecosystem, among others.

    He said it was equipped with a digital innovation laboratory, Maker Space and Fabrication laboratory, Printed Circuit Board Facilities, 3-D Printer, Co-working space for ICT start-ups and training facilities.

    He added that the centre would house the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Programme (MIT-REAP) office set to translate research insights into practical frameworks.

    The U.S.A.-based Massachusetts Institute of Technology is a cutting edge institute globally renowned for science and technology feats.

    Pantami also expressed the hope that the centre would engage Nigerian youths, support economic diversification, create jobs and inspire digital entrepreneurship.

    He directed the National Information Development Agency (NITDA to file a monthly report on the activities of the centre till Dec. 2021 when it could be certified to perform independently.

    He called on the Ministry of Science and Technology for synergy in ensuring that the centre could be fully utilised to achieve the digital economy agenda of the Nigerian government.

    “I hereby challenge our innovators to utilise the centre and come up with revolutionary solutions to our local and global challenges.

    “We must move away from being consumers to producers because we have the potential and government is fully committed to supporting you,’’ he said.

    At the inauguration, the Director-General of NITDA, Mr Kashifu Inuwa, explained Artificial Intelligence as the ability of machines to mimic human thinking and behaviour, which could be applied to the project of developing systems with human characteristics.

    He also said that robotics was the engineering discipline that dealt with the design, construction, and operation of robots, which complements human labour.

    “This project is one among many of our developmental programmes in accordance with NITDA’s core mandate of facilitating the growth of Information Communication Technology development in Nigeria.

    “We are focused on providing support for viable innovations with socio-economic impact as well as a level playing field for all Nigerians to thrive in.

    “As we enter the age of advanced technological breakthroughs such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Nigeria cannot be left out in harnessing the advantages of AI, robotics and other emerging technologies,’’ he said.

    He recalled the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) report which said that AI had the potential to add to economic growth but the impact may be gradual and take sometimes to manifest.

    U.S.-based MGI helps leaders in the commercial, public, and social sectors to develop deeper understanding of the evolution of the global economy and to provide a fact base that contributes to decision making on critical management and policy issues.

    Inuwa said the report projected that while developed countries could add 20 per cent to 25 per cent net income to their Gross Domestic Product (GDP), using AI, developing countries such as Nigeria could add 5 per cent to 15 per cent by deploying same.

    He said that the country’s GDP now stood at around 400 billion dollars, while AI technology could increase it by between 20 billion dollars and 60 billion dollars in 10 years.

    According to him, the centre inaugurated on Friday aims at achieving such unprecedented boost to the nation’s economy.

    He also said that the technology as predicted by World Economic Forum could create nearly 60 million jobs.

    He observed that AI and robotics were used across the globe in the care of COVID-19 patients and would be more relevant in ensuring that the spread of the virus was curtailed.

    “Be abreast with technological advancement or be left behind,’’ Inuwa quipped.

    He urged stakeholders to put the facility to optimum use to project the gains of AI and robotics in the Nigerian technological space.

    Mr Musa Bello, Minister of FCT, commended the transformation of the ICT sector by Pantami, adding that he was laying the foundation for digital growth of the country.

    According to Bello, this is the first centre of this nature owned by government and it opens up a space for the wider development of other sectors of the society.

    Mr Mohammed Abdullahi, Minister for State, Science and Technology, congratulated the agency and pledged to support it for the growth of governance.

  • COVID-19: FG allays fears on deployment of 5G Network in Nigeria

    The Federal Government on Saturday allayed fears as raised in some quarters over the deployment of the Fifth Generation Mobile Networks (5G) in Nigeria.

    The Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Patanmi on Saturday in a statement he personally signed assured Nigerians that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration is committed to the safety of Nigerians.

    He also said in clear terms that his office was yet to give approval for the deployment of the 5G Network in Nigeria.

    Recall that there has been global concerns over the health implications of the deployment of the 5G network particularly as it relates to the Coronavirus disease [COVID-19] pandemic that is ravaging virtually the entire word.

    While there hasn’t been any scientific proof of a direct link of the 5G Network to the COVID-19 pandemic, however, it appears countries are no longer willing to take risk that can jeopardize the peace of the already traumatized world.

    Nigerians have also launched a campaign against the deployment of the 5G Network in Nigeria, hence the Minister’s clarification.

    Read full statement as released and signed by the minister on Saturday afternoon.

     

    PRESS STATEMENT
    NO LICENCE HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR 5G IN NIGERIA
    The attention of my office has been drawn to the public concern about the health implications of the deployment of Fifth Generation Mobile Networks (5G) in Nigeria. Based on available records at my office and the earlier report received from the regulator, I would like to clarify as follows:
    i. The National Frequency Management Council (NFMC), of which I am the Chairman, has not deliberated on or released any bulk frequency spectrum for the deployment of 5G;
    ii. No license has been issued for the deployment of 5G in the country;
    iii. A 3-month study trial commenced on the 25th of November, 2019 in order to critically review and study the health and security implications of deploying 5G in Nigeria;
    iiii. As part of the study trial process, I directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure that a team of experts, security agencies and other stakeholders fully participate in the trial process and my office also invited these agencies to participate in the trial; and
    v. The trial process has been concluded and the study and reporting process is currently ongoing.
    His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, places a premium on the welfare, health and security of Nigerians. As such, our desire for technological advancement will never be at the expense of the health and welfare of our citizens.
    Government will not act on the speculations only, but rather we will take an informed decision on 5G after due consultation with experts and the public. I have also directed the NCC to engage citizens on any questions or concerns they may have regarding 5G.
    I wish to thank the general public for reaching out to us on this issue. We advise you all to remain rest assured that government will always take the welfare, health and security of the public into account while considering the deployment of any technology.

    Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), FNCS, FBCS, FIIM
    Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy
    4th of April 2020

  • NCC’s TVWS Framework will enhance delivery of digital economy, says Pantami

    NCC’s TVWS Framework will enhance delivery of digital economy, says Pantami

    Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has said that the Television White Space (TVWS) framework being developed by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), under the ministry’s supervision, will enhance the delivery of the digital economy agenda of the Federal Government.

    The Minister stated this during the Industry Stakeholder Forum on the Guidelines on the use of TVWS in Nigeria, organised by the Commission at its Head Office in Abuja on Tuesday (17/03/2020).

    The programme was attended by several stakeholders, including the representatives of telecoms companies, the Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON), officials from the Ministries of Communications and Digital Economy, and Information and Culture, as well as collaborating agencies in both Ministries. The Chairman of NCC Board of Commissioners, Prof. Adeolu Akande also led his colleagues on the Board to the forum which was attended by many other professionals from all walks of life, who gathered to make necessary inputs towards finalising the draft TVWS Guidelines.

    The TVWS is the unused broadcasting spectrum which can be deployed to provide affordable broadband services to people at the grassroots.

    Addressing the audience at the forum, Pantami said the TVWS Guidelines is in sync with the objective of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) unveiled by President Muhammadu Buhari in November last year.

    The Minister noted that TVWS issue came up “as a result of a resolution by the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC) in which NCC and National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) were urged to work together by setting up an inter-agency committee that will ensure the deployment and usage of the spectrum for TVWS.”

    Dr. Pantami stated that TVWS is domiciled with NBC and can be used in bringing affordable broadband services to unserved and under-served areas and that it is part of the mandate of NCC to ensure universal access to telecoms services.

    “It is because of this that NFMC urged both to work together for the effective utilisation of TVWS, which also supports the expanded mandate of the Ministry towards advancing government’s vision of promoting digital economy. In fact, the framework directly addresses two of the eight pillars of NDEPS, which are pillar one and three focusing on developmental regulations, and solid infrastructure, which has broadband access as a central component,” he said.

    Pantami commended the efforts of NCC and NBC for complying with the rule-making process by organising the stakeholder forum to take inputs before finalising work on the TVWS regulations.

    The Minister, however, charged the regulator “not to go to sleep” in constantly developing subsidiary regulations as may be necessary, in view of the fast-paced advancement in the global ICT industry.

    Prof. Adeolu Akande, Chairman, Board of Commissioners, who commended the Honourable Minister for his support, said the Board of NCC will continue to provide necessary policy directions to the Commission for effective regulations of the telecoms industry.

    He stated further that countries such as the United States of America, Singapore, United Kingdom, Canada, Kenya, Namibia and South Africa, have made significant progress towards the optimisation, utilisation and regulation of TVWS, and Nigeria will do so too. He promised that the Board will support the NCC in ensuring that Nigeria is counted on the list of such countries.

    Earlier, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, told the stakeholders that the forum was organised specifically to discuss the use of TVWS at finalising the draft Guidelines on the deployment of this technology, in line with the Commission’s commitment towards bridging the digital divide between different strata and sectors of the society.

    “A draft of the Regulatory Framework has been concluded and as usual, we have invited you all to this meeting today to present what has been a result of a whole year of hard work, collaboration and consultations, to you for your comments and feedback on the draft document. This will lead to its eventual finalisation and operationalisation,” the EVC said.

  • Ministry opens up on recording phone calls of Nigerians

    The Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy has opened up on a currently circulating broadcast message reportedly authored by the Minister, Isa Pantami that government will soon begin recording phone calls of Nigerians.

    According to the broadcast message circulating especially on WhatsApp, which was also received by our tech editor, all devices are now connected to the Ministry’s systems.

    The broadcast message also insinuated that effective tomorrow, the Ministry will commence the recording of phone calls and the monitoring of all social media platforms and fora.

    The malicious message also further discouraged citizens from sharing any messages or videos with political or religious content, as it is now officially a crime and could even lead to arrest.

    According to a statement by Uwa Suleiman (Mrs), Spokesperson to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, the broadcast message is fake news in totality.

    Uwa stated that the Ministry initially ignored the message, which has been in the public domain for some time, so as not to give undue attention to the originators.

    “But its spread, the efforts of well-meaning Nigerians to get clarity and the need to ensure that all Nigerians are properly informed” necessitated clarifications, she stated.

    “We are at a point in our Nation’s history where the focus is on digitalizing the Nigerian Economy for the greater good of all, and divisive messages such as these are mere distractions.

    “It is on record that Dr Pantami, as the then Director General of NITDA, initiated and passed the Nigerian Data Protection Regulation (NDPR January 25th 2019) which solely exists to protect the privacy rights of every individual.

    “The Honourable Minister enjoins all Nigerians, to disregard the propaganda which is aimed at inciting fear, and creating public confusion. Under the leadership of Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy is mandated to Leverage on Technology for a Digital Economy, and will not engage in acts that would sabotage its mandate.

    “The office of the Honourable Minister, calls on all Nigerians to ignore all and any instructions contained in the message, and further help in tackling this ignoble act by immediately deleting the message to curb its spread,” the statement read.

  • Data protection: NITDA extends deadline for initial data audit report filing

    Data protection: NITDA extends deadline for initial data audit report filing

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has granted a three-month extension period that will elapse on Friday 25th October 2019 for the filing of initial audit report for every data controller and processor.
    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Director General/Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NITDA and Chief Information Technology Officer of Nigeria made this known in a statement in Abuja.
    This is following a series of consultations held by the agency with various industry and government stakeholders on the implementation of the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR).
    According to the statement, the overwhelming consensus of all stakeholder groups is that the NDPR is an appropriate regulation that would help provide clarity for data controllers and processors on the rights of data subjects, basis of processing personal data and transfer of data outside Nigeria among others.
    “NITDA is pleased to note that stakeholders including other Sector Regulators, Government, Banks, Industry groups, Private Sector players among many others, have shown tremendous willingness towards compliance with the NDPR.
    “Consequently, Article 4.1(5) of the NDPR requires Data Controllers to submit an initial audit report within six months of issuance of the Regulation (which lapsed on 25th July, 2019).
    “Several Data Controllers have appealed for an extension of time to meet this obligation. Therefore, NITDA is hereby granting a three-month extension for the conduct of the initial audit report for every data Controller and Processor. This extension period would elapse on Friday 25th October 2019.
    “This extension of time for the purpose of audit filing does not limit NITDA’s right to investigate and enforce other allegations of breach made against any Data Controller or Processor pursuant to the NDPR and the NITDA Act 2007,” the statement read.
    TNG reports NITDA is a Federal Government Agency established in 2001 to implement the Nigerian Information Technology Policy as well as coordinate general IT development and regulation in the country.
    Specifically, Section 6(a,c) of the Act mandates the 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.
    The Act also mandates the NITDA to develop guidelines for electronic governance and monitor the use of electronic data interchange and other forms of electronic communication transactions as an alternative to paper-based methods in government, commerce, education, the private and public sectors, labour, and other fields.

  • DG NITDA urges Nigerians to embrace modern agriculture with ICT

    Dr Isa Pantami, the Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has urged Nigerians to embrace modern agriculture with the use of Information Communications Technology (ICT) to boost production.
    The DG gave the advice in a statement issued by Dr Amina Sambo-Magaji, the National Coordinator, Office for ICT Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIIE), on Tuesday in Abuja at the third edition of NITDA FutureHack event.
    The programme was held in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State with a focus on e-agriculture to address challenges in the sector.
    According to him, there is need for ‘Innovative Technology’ for addressing local challenges in the agriculture sector in Nigeria for Social and Economic Development.
    “FutureHack is a national technology hackathon event, in which computer programmers collaborate intensively on software projects usually held in academic environments to to inculcate innovation and entrepreneurship culture in students to drive Nigeria’s digital economy.
    “Modern agriculture is expanding globally with digitally enabled agriculture, precision farming, hydroponics, robotics and artificial intelligence.
    “However, technology is an enabler and should be harnessed to revolutionise the agricultural sector in the country.
    “Technology can be used to monitor yield, pest control, best time to add pesticides, plant illness prediction, multi-platform collecting data on crops, soil, nutrients and water to help the farmer in his decision making and more.
    “This revolution has already begun. We have irrigation systems that are controlled by mobile phone and reducing labour cost,’’ Pantami said.
    The DG also explained that agriculture is critical to the economy of country saying “it contributes to the growth of the Gross Domestic Product and employs a large number of the population.”
    According to him, transforming agriculture through technology is a key to reviving the economy and technology can be used for agricultural products market linkages, food safety, to monitor food shipments throughout the whole supply chain.
    “ICT can be used to control the challenges of poor disease, livestock theft, inferior storage facilities and preservation mechanisms for crops, access to market and access to financial support,’’ Pantami said.
    He recalled the establishment of Growth and Enhancement Support Scheme (GESS) that used e-wallet system to enable registered users to receive vouchers on their mobile phones.
    Pantami said the scheme granted farmers access to subsidised seeds and fertiliser, thereby cutting out the middle man, hence benefiting many farmers within the period of establishment.
    He reiterated that the agency was committed to regulating and developing sectors of government by enabling ICT.
    “We have Nigerian ICT startups that are already disrupting the Agri-tech space and NITDA is complementing President Muhammadu Buhari’s economic diversification initiative.
    “We use this platform to stimulate creativity among the teaming and able Nigerian youth both in country and diaspora,” Pantami said.
    A hackathon is usually a day long coding competition where software programmers, developers, designers, etc, come together to build and design innovative things.
    This year, the FutureHack challenge is on leveraging technology to find innovative ideas that will change the narrative of health, agriculture and education in Nigeria.
    The three editions had the North Central which held in Nile University, Abuja recently, North West in ABU Zaria and South West edition expected to hold in OAU, Ile-Ife, Osun state.

  • NITDA D-G tasks stakeholders on contributions of ICT to GDP

    Dr Isa Ali Pantami, Director-General of Nigerian Information and Technology Development Agency (NITDA) says Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is a significant contributor to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    Pantami made this known during the NOTAP/NITDA Stakeholders’ Roundtable Discussion on the Use of Nigerian Software in the Financial Banking Services Sector, in Lagos on Monday.

    According to him, the GDP stands at 11. 81 per cent as at the third quarter of 2018.

    Pantami was represented by Mr Chris Okeke, Director, Lagos Zonal office of NITDA.

    He said that notably, local and foreign investors invested about N38 billion into Nigerian start-ups in the second and third quarters of 2018, of which 75 per cent of the funds went into Nigerian FinTech.

    “The growth underscored the upward trajectory of ICT as a significant contributor to Nigeria’s GDP, currently at about 11.81 per cent as at the third quarter of 2018,’’ Pantami said.

    He said that to complement these efforts, government had identified the need for concerted actions and policies to promote local contents as the core pillar of economic diversification.

    “You may recall that in 2013, NITDA issued the Guidelines for Nigerian Content Development in ICT, essentially mandating agencies of government to compulsorily prioritise indigenous ICTs for procurement where available in-country.

    “The regulation mandates a compulsory consideration of indigenous hardware, software, networking service, ICT services and data management first before any non-Nigerian service provider.

    “The policy has resulted in the growth of the purchase of indigenous contents in the public sector.

    “The year 2018 recorded the highest figures of purchase of indigenously-assembled hardware and software with a total of 355,647 units sold, compared to 154,424 in the previous year.

    “Implementation of this policy has also ensured that 95 per cent of the Federal Government’s data is hosted locally,’’ Pantami said.

    He said with the issuance of the Presidential Executive Orders 003 and 005; the Nigerian Content Guidelines of NITDA received a significant boost and had strengthened the arm of the agency in implementing the guidelines.

    According to the director-general, the IT Project Clearance Process of NITDA has saved the country over N13 billion of bogus spending.

    Pantami noted that the clearance process had ensured that over N5 billion worth of software-related projects would be procured from Nigerian companies from 2018 till date.

    He said that all these would have been impossible but with the consistent and unwavering support of President Muhammadu Buhari, who had given the agency and the IT industry relentless support to implement far-reaching policies for the development of the country.

    Pantami also congratulated the financial service industry as led by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in granting spaces to young and keen minds to develop products that had continually redefined the Financial Technology Space (FinTech).

    “The growth of our FinTech market has been in no small measure due to the willingness of financial institutions to become fodder for these adventurists to step up and spin brilliant ideas that have shaped how we pay for services and conduct transactions.

    “We have come a long way and we are proud of these achievements occasioned largely by the ICT and the financial sectors working together.

    He, however, assured that all necessary solution reached at the Roundtable discussion would be relayed to the president with utmost urgency.

    Theme of the two-day roundtable was: “Adoption and Development of Local Content Technology as Growth Drivers for the Nigerian Economy’’.

  • NITDA unveils guidelines for use of social media platforms in public institutions

    The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has
    unveiled five Information Technology (IT) guidelines and regulatory frameworks to ensure ease of doing business in the sector.

    The Director General of the agency, Dr Isa Pantami, unveiled the guidelines at a public presentation in Abuja and urged the public, institutions, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to adhere to the provisions of the guidelines.

    Pantami said that the public presentation of the guidelines was necessary following the agency’s mandate to develop the IT sector and ensure promotion of locally made products.

    The guidelines are: “Rulemaking Process of NITDA, Nigeria Data Protection Regulation, Guidelines for the Use of Social Media Platforms in Public Institutions, Guidelines for Clearance of Information Technology Projects by Public Institutions and Guidelines for Public Internet Access.

    The NITDA boss said “as a country, it is good to produce what we need and consume what we produce to build our economy.

    “This is the first time NITDA is rolling out Rulemaking Process to allow the public to know the steps for guidelines and regulatory framework.

    “It will also allow engagement to help the public to understand all processes involved in the issuance of regulatory documents by the agency.

    “NITDA from now will be generally bound by the Rulemaking Process as an integral part of the operations of the agency.”

    Pantami said that the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation was in accordance with Section 6 of NITDA Act 2007.

    He added that there had been circulars on Guidelines for Clearance of Information Technology Projects but the enforcement was the challenge.

    “This guideline is for public institutions which include MDAs, federal institutions, Federal Government-owned companies
    and it is to guide federal institutions in procuring IT goods and services.

    “It will ensure that government money is not mismanaged in the execution of IT projects, harmonisation in the execution of projects and also ensure that institutions carrying out IT projects have the capacity,” he said.

    The third guideline on Nigeria Data Protection Regulation, Pantami said, was to empower the agency to regulate, monitor
    the use of electronic data interchange and other forms of electronic communications on governance, commerce, private and public sector.

    “These guidelines will form the basis for which personal data of Nigerian citizens will be protected and managed.

    “The Frameworks and Guidelines for Public Internet Access (PIA) provides guidelines for providers of public internet access
    services to maintain appropriate systems and policies to protect Nigerians who use these services.

    “Free Wi-Fi is commendable but there will be abuse if not regulated because of security reasons. We don’t want the security of
    the nation to be compromised.”

    On the Framework and Guidelines for the Use of Social Media Platforms in Public Institutions, he said it would ensure public
    institutions had processes in the creation of social media accounts.

    According to him, important information and records are lost when handlers of platforms are changed due to the absence of clear policies by federal institutions.

    He said that such situation constituted risks to information management and public accountability, adding that the agency
    would continue to monitor social media platforms of federal and public institutions for consistency.

    The director general said that in 2019, NITDA focused on enforcement of guidelines and frameworks to ensure the country’s cyber space was not compromised.

    He stressed that the IT sector cannot be effectively developed without relevant regulations and guidelines which create
    uniformity, consistency and careful investment in the right technology systems.

    Mr Lazarus Ikoti, the Chairman, Standards Review Committee in the agency, said that some of the guidelines had to undergo
    review to suit the needed processes in IT regulation.

    Mr Kasim Sodangi, the National Coordinator, Office for Nigeria Content Development in ICT (ONC) said that the guidelines
    became operational upon the signing by the director general.

    Sodangi added that the guidelines were full legal documents and its violation was punishable by law.

    He further said that the agency was working with critical stakeholders, active enforcement team to facilitate compliance.

    According to him, NITDA encourages self compliance before the agency can deploy enforcement which is the extreme measure.