Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Pantami on Monday commissioned Phase 3 of the completed projects under the Ministry at the National Information Technology Development Agency’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.
The commissioning according to Dr Pantami was in line with the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy of the Buhari administration.
The projects include the Digital Conference Centre for remote collaboration; Integrated Computer Emergency Response and Readiness Centre; and Digital Studio for Virtual learning.
Pantami noted that the Computer Emergency Response (CER) and Readiness Centre (RC) were in alignment with the key priority area of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari administration aimed at enhancing the security of the Nation.
He added that the reason behind changing the agency’s logo is that the world’s Information Technology has changed from ICT to the digital economy, hence the current logo encompasses the change.
“Today, there are many challenges with regards to security based on what is happening online. With CERRC teams, we will be able to be the watchdog of the federal government, monitor potential cybercriminals attacks on our country, come up with policies and strategies to prevent our country from the attacks or at least reduce it to the barest minimum,” the Minister stated.
Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa had earlier in his address, lauded the Minister’s effort made in fulfilling his promise to digitalise the Agency through the ‘Smart NITDA’ on his assumption of office.
He added that these initiatives are consistent with President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign promises to improve security, diversify the economy, and strengthen the fight against corruption.
“Honourable Minister Sir, I will never forget the first time I visited you in this office, in October 2016, the first week you resumed work as the DG NITDA after your appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari on 26th September 2016.
“You said to me, Kashifu, this office looks like local government secretariat, I will remodel it and transform it into a better workplace.
“You started the transformation immediately with the remodelling of reception, conference room, and DG’s office. In 2018, you approved the design of this picturesque structure. And in 2019, you awarded the contract for the new block we call block C and the remodelling of the entire building just before your elevation to Honourable Minister of the federation.
“Luckily for us, you were assigned to supervise our ministry. Your appointment as our supervisory minister gives us courage and energy to accelerate the execution and completion of the project within a year.
“You are here to commission our new Digital Centre, which houses integrated computer emergency response and readiness centre to enhance our national cybersecurity; Digital Multimedia studio for online digital skills and literacy capacity building, and digital conference room for remote collaboration.
“All these initiatives are consistent with President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign promises to improve security, diversify the economy, and strengthen the fight against corruption,” Kashifu said.
The highpoint of the event was the unveiling of NITDA’s new logo, Core Values, Vision and Mission Statement;
The event had in attendance, several Heads of Agencies under the Ministry including; the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta; Chairman, Governing Board of NITDA, Dr Abubakar Sa’idu; Managing Director, Galaxy Backbone Limited, Prof. M.B Abubakar; Managing Director, NIGCOMSAT, Dr Abimbola Alale and Chairman of the Ministerial Committee on Project Commissioning, Ag. Executive Secretary, USPF, Mr Ayuba Shu’aibu among others.