TECH DIGEST – The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has said that digital technologies are facilitating the Anti-Corruption crusade of the administration of  President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, in Nigeria.

The minister, who was represented by Mrs Abimbola Alale, Mananging Director, Nigeria Communications Satellite (NIGCOMSAT), said this at the 2021 Pre-Democracy Day Conference with the theme “Appraising the Impact of President Muhamadu Buhari’s Anti-Corruption Fight on the Nigerian Economy since 2015”, organised by Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN) in collaboration with Transparency Advocacy Development Initiative (TADI) in Abuja.

Dr Pantami said government policies, such as; Treasury Single Account (TSA), Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), Government Information Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS), Bank Verification Number (BVN), among others, are good success stories of ICT adoption to combat corruption. He stated that the implementation of TSA and IPPIS/BVN is saving the country billions of naira every month, and had facilitated the elimination of ghost workers in various MDAs.

“In Nigeria, ICT has supported the fight against corruption by raising accountability and transparency through online services, transparency or open data portals, crowdsource and online corruption reporting, service automation and digitalization”, he said.

While presenting a paper at the same event, The Director General/CEO, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, said, innovative ideas will help in curtailing corruption in Nigeria.
Abdullahi said the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration’s commitment at the global level, led to Nigeria joining the Open Government Partnership (OGP) in July 2016 as the 70th country. The OGP is an international multi-stakeholder initiative focused on improving transparency, accountability, citizen participation and responsiveness to citizens through technology and innovation.

The DG, who was represented by Usman Gambo Abdullahi, Director, IT Infrastructure Solutions at NITDA said, the administration has shown its commitment by launching the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS 2020 – 2030) for a Digital Nigeria.

He said, the goal of NDEPS is to promote the use of digital technologies to enhance transparency and anti-corruption, which is at the heart of the digital economy.
He noted that IT Projects Clearance Process of NITDA facilitated unprecedented improvement in IT Projects delivery in Federal Public Institutions, which resulted in saving over 22.5 Billion Naira for the Federal Government.

The IT Regulator’s CEO cited the National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS 2017-2021), which is anchored on 5 Pillars namely; Prevention, Engagement, Ethical Re-orientation; Enforcement, Sanctions and Recovery; and Management of Proceeds of Crime. Adding that; “in each of these, efforts were made to ensure adequate utilization of ICT towards their realization”.
He also stated that the shift in funds from resource-based and physical economy to a digital economy requires a supply-demand matching approach to digital resources and market-creating innovations as mentioned earlier.

“On the aspect of supply, we are working to ensure government services are digital, end-to-end. We are working with National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), to increase enrollment drastically. The identity enrollment database has grown to 54 million. We want to ensure all Nigerians have a digital identity in the coming years. We are providing an enabling environment for last-mile broadband penetration. There are about 150 million internet users with about 42.93% broadband penetration,” the DG said.

“On the demand side, we are focusing on digital literacy and the skills required to uptake digital services across different levels of the masses. We are creating activities that will increase the demand for digital content and services by the citizens. Our strategy is to focus more on market-creating innovations that would impact the economy, create massive jobs and lift many Nigerians out of poverty. Ultimately, this principle will reduce corruption in our systems and help us develop as a country,” he added.

The Conference Coordinator and President of GICN, Barr. Edward E. Omaga, during his welcome address said the essence of the conference was to painstakingly appraise the effort of President Muhammadu Buhari’s led administration towards combating the menace called corruption.

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TECH DIGEST – The Nigeria Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT) Ltd. has advised internet users to be cautious of the internet fraudsters because of the existence of some dangerous websites.
Its Managing Director, Dr Abimbola Alale, gave the advice on Wednesday in a statement by Mr Adamu Idris, the General Manager, Corporate Affairs, to commemorate the International Cybersecurity Awareness Month.
October is the International National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM).
This is to create awareness on cybersecurity and to provide the public with general knowledge and tools required for online safety.
Alale said that the cyberspace was filled with malicious codes, links, Trojans and viruses with millions of unsuspecting users becoming vulnerable to those threats more than ever before.
“As we embark on the Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we are bringing to your notice some tips that could keep you safe on the internet.
“Internet users are, therefore, advised to be in the habit of securing their devices by using strong passwords and biometric features if possible,’’ she said.
Alale said though, using strong password was desirable, it was also important to use two or multi-factors authentication system as it comprises two or more layered protection.
She advised users to desist from connecting into the public network.
“Internet users are counselled to connect to secured and trusted or private networks, if possible, especially when handling financial or any sensitive transaction.
“On data management, users are informed to back up their data periodically.
“It is very crucial to back up your data, remember malicious threats and hackers do not always want to steal just your data.
“But sometimes, the game plan is to encrypt or erase it to either cause you harm or lead to ransom seeking,’’ she said.
Alale said that cybersecurity awareness had become imperative and was in line with the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy vision.
“Think before you click; clicking on the wrong link could cost you dearly,’’ she said.
According to her, malicious links can do damage in several ways.
“So, the public is asked to be sure to inspect links and ensure that they are from trusted senders before clicking,’’ Alale said.
She also advised users to update connected systems regularly to keep software protected from bugs and other vulnerability.
Alale urged internet users to endeavour to use good antivirus software and firewall solution.

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