The pursuit by Nigeria to digitalise its economy received a major boost today as the country’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami commissioned several Information Technology projects in Abuja and other cities.
Among the projects commissioned are the Kaduna Emergency Communication Centre (ECC) built by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Tertiary Institution Knowledge Centre (TIKC) in Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo.
Other projects are IT Community Centre in Katsina and IT Hub each in Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria Main Campus, Kaduna and University of Lagos. The sixth project commissioned was the opening of Nigeria Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT)’s Northwest Regional Office in Kaduna.
Speaking during the virtual commissioning of the projects, which took place at the NCC’s Communications and Digital Economy Complex, Mbora District, Abuja, Dr. 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.
“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 said.
The Minister 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 the digital economy.
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.
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 the government’s initiatives aimed at accelerating the implementation of National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy.
The NCC’s ECC project makes it possible for people of Kaduna and environs to dial 112 Emergency Number to get help during emergencies from appropriate emergency response agencies. The project is aimed at supporting the Federal Government’s agenda of enhancing the 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.