Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Pantami has said that since the global pandemic began, his ministry has strived to support the Federal Government with solutions, based on the ministry’s areas of expertise and in line with its mission, to build a nation where digital innovation and entrepreneurship create value and prosperity for all.
The minister who spoke at the presentation of grants to winners of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)’s Digital Solutions Hackathon for COVID -19 and other Infectious Diseases said this mission is outlined in the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria, underpinned by 8 pillars that align with the central ideas of the ITU with regard to bridging the digital and innovation divides.
The three winners of the Hackathon that received a cash prize of N3 million grant each include KlasConnect by Cyberfleet Integrated Limited; The SmartClinic Patient Mobile App by Primed E-Health; and Automated Temperature Scanner with Contact Tracing Capability by Elizade University Team.
Pantami who said the grant presentation ceremony marked a modest but significant event in the search for adaptable digital solutions in Nigeria, noted that the event “aligns with two of the 8 – pillars of our Digital Economy’s policy and strategy plan: the development of a vibrant digital ecosystem that supports innovation-driven enterprise and Micro Small and Medium Enterprises and the provision of a policy framework that prioritizes digitally skilled Nigerians for government-funded projects.”
According to the minister, “This is also in line with Executive Orders 003 and 005 of His Excellency, President Mohammadu Buhari’s administration. The current pandemic makes our discussion of solutions today even more significant, as the world searches for affordable and time-saving solutions.”
While insisting that innovation is a key driver to the fast growth of the global ICT industry, which in turn drives today’s global economy, Pantami noted that the importance of ICT innovation accentuating solutions in the health sector, especially at this time of a global pandemic is becoming evident.
“Digital solutions may become the difference in making the health sector smarter in addressing the problems of the current pandemic. You may be aware that very smart solutions are evolving within the ICT industry as an important facilitator in contact tracking and tracing.
“Several apps are now available to accelerate contact tracking and tracing for COVID-19. It is, therefore, important and encouraging that this competition is focused on digital solutions against the current pandemic,” Pantami said.
The minister, who said his ministry welcomed the slashing of Right of Way charges and waivers by State Governors, stated that perhaps, this could yet be another good opportunity to invite State Governors to take advantage of the opportunities the digital world can offer to improve the lives of the citizens in their states.
While congratulating the winners of the competition, the minister acknowledged that they have shown that “all our efforts to become part of the global digital innovation stage are yielding fruits,” and hoped that these innovations will be bankable and marketable to the local, national and international markets.
“ICT innovations do not discriminate. The COVID-19 pandemic has become one in which the World is united in finding a solution. Any digital solution to addressing any aspect of the challenges posed by the pandemic is welcome.”
Pantami commended the NCC for setting the tone in a very timely manner and expressed the hope that there will be a continuous focus in pursuit of innovative solutions to all aspects of the country’s national life in a way to contribute to inclusive growth.