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President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami to work with all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) of government towards the protection of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). The president gave the directive this week at the commissioning of several projects and programmes of the ministry in Abuja.
Addressing top government functionaries and captains of industry, at the unveiling of the National Broadband plan 2020-2025, the launching of the Emergency Communications Centre and Toll Free Number 112, the commissioning of the Communications and Digital Economy Complex and the flag off of the Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training, President Buhari expressed delight at the laudable developments which he noted “will enhance the development of our National Digital Economy and support our efforts in diversifying the economy”
Speaking further, the President emphasized that the commissioning of the Toll Free Number 112, which will soon be deployed nationwide, “further demonstrates our resolve to keep Nigerians safe. We have taken advantage of digital technologies to ensure that Nigerians in distress are only a dial away from the relevant emergency response institutions in the country”.
He disclosed that the flag- off of the Digital Nigeria Training Programme is an initiative that will drive innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging technologies, for economic empowerment and global competitiveness.
He lauded the efforts of the minister and the Presidential Broadband Committee, for the successful development of a National Broadband Plan. He particularly commended the leadership quality of the minister which has brought about a high level of synergy among the parastatals under the ministry’s purview.
In his remarks, Dr. Pantami while thanking the president for the immense support enjoyed by the sector under his leadership, enjoined all Nigerians to support the digital economy agenda of the federal government as a digital economy is an enabling platform capable of supporting the president’s three point agenda of security, anti-corruption and economic development, including the potential of lifting millions of Nigerians out of poverty. He cited the China, Indonesia and Indian economies as examples.
Pantami also commended members of the Presidential Broadband Plan Committee for being thorough, professional and timely with their assignment.
According to a statement by the ministers’ spokesperson, Mrs. Uwa Suleiman, the high-powered event was attended by top government functionaries, captains of industry, members of the diplomatic corps and stakeholders including representatives of the leadership of the National Assembly, Ministers of FCT, Women Affairs, Defence, Police Affairs, Industry Trade and Investment, State Ministers of Education, Foreign Affairs, Education, FCT, Labour and Employment, Budget and Planning, Board Chairmen of Federal Parastatals, Service Chiefs, members of the Organised Private Sector, to mention but a few.
