Towards Digital Economy: Pantami inaugurates NCC’s ECC, 5 other IT projects

The Minister Of Communications And Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami,  has  inuagurated six new Information Technology (IT) projects to further accelerate the pace of the country towards achiving a digital economy.

Specifically, the project included a new Emergency Communicatioon Centre (ECC), built by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Kaduna State, and five other projects by other agencies under the ministry.

The NCC’s ECC project, which makes it possible for people of Kaduna and environs to dial 112 Emergency Number to get help during emergencies from appropriate emergency response agencies, is aimed at supporting the Federal Government agenda of enhancing security of lives and property in the country.

NCC had built ECC in each of the 36 states of the federation and the FCT. Nineteen of the ECC have been activated while efforts are ongoing to extend it to other states.

The Minister also launched the Tertiary Institution Knowledge Centre (TIKC) in Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo, a project executed by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) of NCC.

Three other projects by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), namely IT Community Centre in Katsina and IT Hub each in Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria Main Campus, Kaduna and University of Lagos, were also set operational.

The sixth project unveiled was the opening of Nigeria Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT)’s Northwest Regional Office in Kaduna.

Speaking during the virtual inuguation of the projects, which took place at the NCC’s Communications and Digital Economy Complex, Mbora District, Abuja on Thursday, and attended by all heads of agencies under the ministry, Pantami said the projects were all connected to the country’s digital economy drive, as contained in the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) unveiled by the President in November last year.

According to him, “these projects are connected to some of the pillars of the NDEPS, especially with respect to developmental regulation, digital literacy and skills, solid infrastructure, among others,” urging Nigerians, who are the ultimate beneficiaries of the projects, to take advantage of the opportunities.

He added that he would continue to work with other ministries, departments and parastatals of government to ensure teething challenges facing ICT infrastructure deployment in the country are addressed in other to deepen digital economy.

Governor of Borno State and Chairman of the occasion, Babagana Zulum as well as Hon. Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed and her counterpart in the Ministry of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola who were guests of honour commended the ministry and its agencies for expanding the footprint of digital economy across the country.

Meanwhile, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, and other heads of agencies under the ministry, have commended the minister for promoting synergy among the agencies under his supervision.

Danbatta, NCC’s EVC

According to Danbatta, “the projects will help in leading the country into a truly – digital economy.”

He restated the Commission’s commitment to ensure a robust broadband infrastructure in the country, to support government’s initiatives aimed at accelerating the implementation of National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy.

Featured Image: L-R: Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman, NCC; Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Hon. Minister of Communications and Digital Economy; Babagana Zulum, Governor of Borno State and Chairman of the occasion; Zainab Shamsuna, Hon. Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning; Babatunde Fashola, Minister of Works and Housing and Abimbola Alale, Managing Director, NIGCOMSAT during the event