TECH DIGEST- In October last year, the National Data Protection Bureau, a subsidiary of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), presented the draft National Data Protection Bill to the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami. The Minister is to present the bill to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.

While the decision of the FEC on the bill is yet to be announced, the National Assembly has assured of the passage of the bill within 30 days of receiving it from the FEC. 

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The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Information Communication Technology (ICT), Yakubu Oseni, who gave the assurance during a one-day sensitization workshop on data protection organized for members of the national assembly, said the bill ought to have become law in 2019. He said the Senate understands the importance of having data protection laws in place.

Although the country currently has already the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) which is being enforced by the Data Protection Bureau, experts have argued that the NDPR lacks the force of law to ensure the protection of data in the government’s care. Hence, the clamour for a substantive law that will guide the handling of data across all levels in the country.  

As Nigerians eagerly await the approval of the bill by the FEC and its passage by the National Assembly, below are 10 things to look out for in the bill. 

1. Establishment of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission 

While data protection is currently being managed by a Bureau created out of NITDA, the bill provides for the establishment of a substantive body, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC). 

Section 7 of the bill lists the functions of the Commission include  

• Ensuring the deployment of technological and organizational measures to enhance personal data protection. 
• Promoting awareness of data controllers and data processors of their obligations under the Act. 
• Promoting public awareness and understanding of personal data protection and the risks to personal data, including the rights granted and obligations imposed under the Act. 
• Fostering the development of personal data protection technologies in accordance with recognized international good practices and applicable international law. 

2. Sensitive personal data 

The Bill introduces specific requirements for the processing of sensitive personal data. Specifically, the bill prohibits data controllers or data processors from processing or permitting a data processor to process on its behalf, sensitive personal data unless one of the exceptions in Section 32(1) applies. Such exceptions include where: 

• The data subject has given and not withdrawn their consent to the processing for the specific purpose or purposes for which it will be processed. 
• The processing is necessary for exercising or performing the rights or obligations of the data controller or the data subject to underemployment or social security laws or any other similar laws. 
• The processing is necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject or of another individual where the data subject is physically or legally incapable of giving consent. 

3. Minors’ protection 

Section 33 of the Bill establishes specific provisions for lawfully obtaining consent from children. In particular, the Bill provides that the data controller must obtain the consent of a parent or other appropriate legal guardian of the child and must apply appropriate mechanisms, including the presentation of government-approved identification documents, to verify age and consent. 

Importantly, the Bill does not require parental consent where: 

• “Processing is necessary to protect the vital interests of the child or individual lacking the legal capacity to consent, or the processing is carried out for purposes of medical or social care and is undertaken by or under the responsibility of a professional or similar service provider owing a duty of confidentiality.” 

4. Rights of data subjects 

According to Section 35 of the bill, a data subject has the right to obtain from a data controller, without constraint or unreasonable delay — confirmation as to whether or not the data controller or a data processor operating on its behalf, is storing or otherwise processing personal data relating to the data subject. And where that is the case, the subject has the right to know the following:

•  The purposes of the processing.
• The categories of personal data concerned.
• The recipients or categories of recipients to whom the personal data have been or will be disclosed, in particular recipients in third countries or international organisations.
• Where possible, the envisaged period for which the personal data will be stored, or, if not. possible, the criteria used to determine that period.
• The existence of the right to request from the data controller rectification or erasure of personal data or restriction of processing of personal data concerning the data subject or to object to such processing.
• The right to complain. 

5. Data protection officer and compliance services 

Section 33 of the bill requires both controllers and processors of major importance to appoint a data protection officer (‘DPO’) with expert knowledge of data protection law and practices and the ability to carry out the tasks as outlined in the Bill. 

Specifically, the Bill establishes that the DPO tasks include advising the data controller, data processor, and their employees who carry out the processing of their obligations, monitoring compliance as well as related policies of the data controller or data more generally, and acting as the contact point for the Commission on issues relating to data processing In addition, the Bill clarifies that DPO can be the DPO an employee or engaged by a service contract. 

6. International data transfers 

The international transfer of personal data is regulated in Part IX of the Bill, which is similar to the GDPR. Specifically, the Bill establishes the concept of an adequacy decision for countries and appropriate safeguards for controllers and processors. In this context, Section 43(1)(a) of the Bill establishes that: 

• “A data controller or data processor shall not transfer personal data from Nigeria to another country unless the recipient of the personal data is subject to a law, binding corporate rules, contractual clauses, code of conduct or certification mechanism that affords an adequate level of protection with respect to the personal data, or a permitted conditions outlined in Section 45 of the Bill”. 

7. Complaints and investigation 

Section 47 of the bill states that a data subject who is aggrieved by the decision, action, or inaction of a data controller or data processor in violation of the Act, subsidiary legislation, or orders may complain with the Commission.  

• “The Commission shall investigate any complaint referred to it where it appears to the Commission that— (a) the complainant has an interest in the matter to which the complaint relates; and (b) the complaint is not frivolous or vexatious. (3) The Commission may initiate an investigation of its own accord where it has reason to believe a data controller or data processor has violated or is likely to violate this Act or any regulations, rules, or other subsidiary legislation or orders.” 

8. Enforcement order 

Section 49 provides that notwithstanding any criminal sanctions under the Act, if the Commission, after completing an investigation under Section 47, is satisfied that a data controller or data processor has violated. it may impose a sanction on the data controller or data processor. 

It shall also inform the data controller or data processor, and if applicable, any data subject who lodged the complaint leading to the investigation, in writing of its decision. 

9. Penalties for breach 

Section 49(4) spells out the penalties that may be imposed by the Commission on any organization that breaches the data protection law. In the case of a data controller or data processor of major importance, the penalty shall be the greater of NGN 10 million and 2% of its annual gross revenue derived from Nigeria in the preceding financial year. 

In the case of a data controller or data processor other than a data controller or data processor of major importance, the standard maximum amount shall be the greater of N2 million and 2% of its annual gross revenue derived from Nigeria in the preceding financial year. 

• “In determining the sanctions, the Commission shall take into consideration the following factors: (a) the nature, gravity, and duration of the infringement; (b) the purpose of the processing; (c) the number of data subjects involved; (d) the level of damage and damage mitigation measures implemented; (e) intent or negligence; (f) degree of cooperation with the Commission; and (g) types of personal data involved.” 

10. Civil remedies 

Section 52 of the bill states that a data subject who suffers injury, loss, or harm as a result of a violation of this Act by a data controller or data processor, or a recognized consumer organization acting on behalf of such a data subject, may recover damages by way of civil proceedings in the appropriate court from such data controller or data processor. 

SOURCE: NAIRAMETRICS

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TECHDIGEST- The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has once more announced that as the National Identity Number (NIN) becomes required to access all government services, its enrollment, verification, and other identification systems are operating at their best.

In a press release issued today and signed by Kayode Adegoke, Head, Corporate Communications, the Commission assures the public that top-notch identification services will be provided in accordance with the Federal Government’s effort to provide a trustworthy, long-lasting, and verifiable foundational identification system for all Nigerians and legal residents.

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“In a similar vein, NIMC wishes to state that enrollment and issuance of the NIN are free. The Commission has zero tolerance for any form of extortion and, as such, enjoins the public to report any case of extortion to – actu@nimc.gov.ng.  Information on all approved fees for other services is listed on the Commission’s website.”

“In addition, NIMC strives to alert the public to the misdeeds of some dishonest people who are exploiting its forgery to solicit cooperation from state and local governments in order to raise money to enrol and issue the NIN, particularly for students in primary and secondary schools across the nation.

“The Commission has not sent anyone nor any organization to do so. The public is kindly advised to report such individual or organization to: hadizadagabana@nimc.gov.ng or +2348157691011 (WhatsApp only).

“The Commission wishes to thank President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), Management, and the staff of NIMC for their worthy contributions to the unprecedented success of the NIN project”.

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TECH DIGEST- In order to compete on a global scale, Africa’s largest economy must continue to support innovation and entrepreneurship, according to Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Minister of Communication and Digital Economy. Global competitiveness is the capacity of countries to offer premium goods and services at competitive prices with satisfactory returns.

He made this statement while being represented by Engr. Aliyu A. Aziz, Director General, National Identity Management Commission, during a lecture he gave at the National Defence College in Abuja (NIMC).

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In his lecture titled: “Digital Economy and National Development: Building Nigeria’s Resilience for Global Competitiveness,” Pantami said Nigeria must raise the bar by competing globally with other developed countries. “By competing with ourselves, we will be missing out on external factors. We should improve and be competitive globally.”

The creation of the National Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre, which was led by the Ministry, will bring many benefits to Nigeria and change the country’s economy to one that is driven by innovation and entrepreneurship.

He explained that Nigeria needed to benefit from every technological advance in response to the question of why the country was rushing to launch a 5G network when other network generations, like 3G, were not being fully utilised.

“We can’t stay in one place. 5G has lots of potentials which will be even beneficial to those in rural areas. When there is a new technology, we have to tap into it and move forward.”

Since 5G technology offers real-time platforms and services, it can help with some of the nation’s most pressing problems.

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TECHDIGEST – The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, has said that only security institutions in the country can gain access to people’s personal phone information.

The minister said this on Tuesday while unveiling the Nigerian Communications Commission’s Strategic Vision Plan (2021-2025), NCC Global Connect Podcast and a Compendium of speeches by the Executive Vice Chairman of the commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, in Abuja.

“It is only the security institutions that have power and access to people’s lines; we do not have such power, if not, it will be abused. It will be wrong for anybody to contact NCC or ministry to provide data of any subscriber,” he said,

Emphasising the role of the ministry in this regard, Pantami said, “Ours is when we are contacted that we will provide to the security agencies the data they need.

“Even when we are contacted, there are requirements constitutionally to do that because telephone conversations are meant to be confidential as stipulated by section 37 sub section 39 of the constitution.

“The Cybercrime Act 2015 and the subsidiary legislations of the commission allow government to give such approval when a crime is committed after the security agencies established a prima-facie case, then it can be conveyed to the relevant institution.”

He further stated that there were some successes in this aspect, while emphasising the need to ensure the security of the country.

The minister said, “I can tell you that many successes have been recorded but not meant for public consumption. Today, criminals usually block highways and use phone of victims to contact their families. There are a lot of things the sector has been doing to support the stability and security of the nation.

“I am clarifying this because I am being confronted with so many questions and citizens need to understand that we have procedures and it is only when the procedures are respected that we are mandated to provide data.

“Sometimes, security institutions can gain access without confronting us because Mr. President has approved that for security institutions to gain access to people information without confronting us make their work much easier than they would have access to many things than when they contact NCC or operators.

“At any point in time, in telecom sector, our position is security takes precedence over economic gains, but if two things must be pursued, this is our priority.”

The newly published proposed draft regulations on registration of telephone subscribers 2021said only an official not below the rank of an Assistant Commissioner of Police or a co-ordinate rank in any other security agency could request for a subscriber’s information.

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TECHDIGEST – Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has been promoted to the rank of Professor of Cybersecurity.

Pantami is among seven Readers (Associate Professors) promoted to Professor by the Governing Council of Federal Univerity of Technology Owerri (FUTO) at its 186th meeting held on Friday, August 20, 2021.

Other promoted from Readers to Professor are Engr. Dr Okechukwu Onyelucheya of Chemical Engineering, Dr. Alex I. Opara (Geology), Dr. Conrad Enenebeaku (Chemistry), Dr. Chikwendu Okereke (Geology), Engr. Dr. Lawence Ettu (Civil Engineering) and Dr. Godfrey Emeghara (Maritime Management Technology).

The Council also approved the recommendation of the Academic Staff Appointment and Promotions Committee (Professorial) for the promotion of nine Senior Lecturers to Readers and two Senior University Librarians to Deputy University Librarians.

An erudite scholar of information technology, Pantami who recently bagged the Security and Emergency Management Award (SAEMA) on Cybersecurity had lectured at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, on ICT, before joining the Islamic University of Madinah as Head of Technical Writing in 2014.

He was appointed the Director-General and CEO of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in 2016, before he was appointed the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy on 21 August 2019.

A senior lecturer at the FUTO told PRNigeria that the university committee is excited to have Pantami as one of its new seven Professors, even though the Minister as indicated that he would not receive remuneration because of his current position.

“We gladly welcome this new set of Professors, in our reputable institution. It is even more heartwarming to note that Prof. Pantami has already communicated to the University that he won’t collect salary for now because of his national assignment.

“As you are aware Professorial title on an individual connotes leadership and exceptional contribution at national and international levels in research, scholarship, teaching/mentorship and learning.

“In Nigerian Universities, a professorial appointment has been a prerogative of the Senate of the Universities. Because of autonomy, the criteria for the appointment of a professor varies from one university to another.

“A criteria for appointment of a professor is usually a process unless strong evidence indicates some waiver. The professorship is not a theory, but a practical aspect; an expert with the ability to profess his expertise in his field/profession.

“The procedure for appointment and conferment of a professor is annual and include an application by suitably qualified individuals through recruitment or promotion.

“The application is internally assessed by a panel of assessors (mostly professors) usually by the relevant members of a Senate standing committee of Appointment and Promotion (A&PC) of the University.

“Upon the committee’s positive assessment, the University may communicate to the applicant his appointment to the professorial position subject to a positive assessment of External Academic Assessors (usually three, one of which may be a reputable professor in Europe or North America).

“These External Assessors are independent of the applicant and are of professorial standing in a discipline related to the applicant’s core research and academic interest.

“The referees must not have supervised or collaborated with the applicant on any research/scholarly projects as well as must not be related whatsoever to the applicant.

“Therefore, in summary, appointment and promotion to a professorial position is a process and varies from university to university. University Senate is the final approving body for the conferment of professorial title on applicant and has also the power to waive certain criteria to confer the title when they are convinced that the applicant is qualified to have the title,” he said.

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TECHDIGEST – The American Business Council (ABC) says it had no discussion with the public or any section of the media on the NITDA Act.

It stated this while repudiating the stories on some online media, titled, “Parameters Not Defined: American Business Council Raises Council Over Isa Pantami’s ICT-Killer Bill’.

The Council also clarified the ‘authorized action by these media’ in a letter forwarded to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami.

The letter, dated 18 August 2021, which is sighted by PRNigeria, was signed by the Council’s Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Margaret Olele.

“The reports by these media platforms do not conform with tenets of the American Business Council nor did we interact with them on this matter,” the letter partly reads.

Recalled that some online had both reported that the American Business Council raised concerns over the proposed National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) bill, yet to be passed into law.

According to one of the online media, the Council noted that there are ambiguous sections of the bill that should rather be properly spelt out so operators in the Information Communication and Technology Industry could fully understand what implications this might have for their businesses.

The US Business Council also raised concerns over the unclear meaning of “digital services, products and platforms, administrative sanctions” as stated in the bill, the report further said.

“It also pointed out that for foreign stakeholders, it is unclear whether the turn over the threshold which will make an entity subject to an assessment of levy is the total annual turnover of the entity, the annual turnover derived from its operations in Nigeria, or both.

“The council also recommended that the bill should clearly spell out the enforcement mechanisms that can be adopted by the NITDA and FIRS to ensure payment of the levy by owners of the foreign digital platforms,” Sahara reporters added.

But Olele, in her letter to Pantami, thanked the Minister for the great work his Ministry is doing to improve the regulatory framework of the Communications sector.

“We are especially grateful for your support and proactive stance in addressing key issues that will impact the private sector and the growth of the digital economy in Nigeria,” he said.

PRNigeria gathered that the American Business Council yesterday, Friday, 3 September 2021, published another disclaimer to further disassociate itself from some of the fake reports on online media.

By PRNigeria

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TECHDIGEST – The new Condition of Service and Salary Scale increases with over 200% the total National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) personnel cost, it is definitely a significant departure from what was obtainable.

The presentation and unveiling ceremony of the Approved NIMC Staff Condition of Service and new Salary Scale, was conducted by Isa Ibrahim Pantami, PhD, the minister of Communications and Digital Economy, on Thursday, September 3, 2021 which received accolades and cheers from the board and management led by Mallam Bello Ibrahim Gwandu, the acting chairman of Governing Board.

The Minister started by appreciating President Muhammadu Buhari, for his approval of the request and the immense support towards the actualization of this all-important document.

It can be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari, transferred the supervision of the Commission to the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, under Professor Pantami’s purview in October 2020.

“The NIMC Condition of Service is a comprehensive document that, going forward, would serve, as the machinery through which the Commission articulates and implements its personnel policies and programmes.

“The NIMC plays a critical role that impacts the life of every Nigerian, and for persons legally resident in the country. In light of the foregoing, it is imperative that the vibrant NIMC staff who are tasked with managing one of the nation’s most sensitive and critical asset are provided with the enabling environment to play this pivotal role efficiently and effectively”, the Pantami said.

In figures, this new approved condition of service and salary scale add to the NIMC personnel cost which was hitherto N5.04 billion to about N16.72 billion; a difference of N11.7 billion approximately.

So, what are the six key highlights of the approved NIMC Condition of Service include but not limited to:

1. Information about the NIMC, its core functions, offices and departments and the reporting structure

2. Employment eligibility, categories, Grade Level classifications and staff obligations

3. Categorization and eligibility for leave

4. Promotion and career progression matters

5. Pension and retirement benefit for all categories of staff

6. Robust Staff emoluments, amongst others

“Every chapter and sub-heads have been dutifully explained in simple and direct terminologies.

“Staff members of the Commission nationwide and across different cadres are implored to study and imbibe these conditions, the associated and complementary instructions, and notices and to become familiar with all procedures guiding their professional conduct”, the Minister said.

It is expected that the members of staff will scale up the process of National Identification Number (NIN) registration as Digital Identity addresses the gaps occasioned by improper or lack of identification in the execution of mandates of Public Institutions or activities of Private Entities as they relate to individuals in Nigeria, who are the main beneficiaries of services and projects designed and/or enabled by government and implemented by such institutions and/or the private sector.

“As the digital economy sector evolves, now more than ever before, it becomes imperative to lay a strong foundational ID system for the country that can generate reliable and continuous data for policy and decision making, as well as accurate statistics for developmental planning and progress measurement”, Pantami said.

“It is hoped that the approved Condition of Service and the Salary Scale would serve as a veritable tool to re-engineer the operations, structure, and enhance NIMC’s overall functionality, productivity, and performance in line with the Nigeria Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS).

“As I stated earlier, I implore all staff to ensure diligence, security consciousness and dedication for the seamless operation and integrity of the National Identity Management System (NIMS). I also encourage staff and management of the commission to work harder and shun all kinds of corrupt practices. I equally commend the Governing Board, Director General/CEO, the Management and Staff of the NIMC for steadfastly driving the implementation of the mandates of the Commission as provided for in the NIMC Act 2007”, the minister added.

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TECHDIGEST – The Board and Management of the National Identity Management Commission, (NIMC) has been formally presented with the New Salary Scale and improved conditions of service as approved by the Federal Executive Council.

The presentation which was made by Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) PhD, the minister of Communications and Digital Economy, on Thursday 2nd September 2021, marks the end of a ten year battle to turn the fortunes of the Commission around.

It could be recalled that the national identification numbers registration was suspended in January this year due to an indefinite strike embarked upon by a unit of the association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) who protested poor conditions of service.

Well, recipe has come their way! The Minister while thanking President Muhammadu Buhari for the support enjoyed by the sector, remarked that the previous unsuccessful attempts, though strong-willed, had resulted in disenchantment amongst the Commission’s workforce and loss of competent and highly skilled personnel to other organizations within and outside the country.

Pantami said, “I wish to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation to Mr President for the support given to me in driving the digital economy sector in Nigeria. Of reference is the mandate for me to supervise the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) and the approvals granted by Mr. President to ensure the population of the National Identity Database (NIDB) through the issuance of the National Identification Number (NIN) to registered persons, and to scale up the identification infrastructure.

“This is in addition to other unprecedented achievements recorded in securing the N25 billion Federal Executive Council Approval for upgrade and replacement of the NIMC Identity Infrastructure, and the implementation of novel initiatives that has increased the registration of persons to approximately 63 million records and counting on the NIDB. Worthy of note is the exponential increase in number of NIN enrolment centres and the automation of the enrolment process, where citizens and legal residents can begin enrolment process online, and download their new improved NIN slip or link their mobile numbers through the NIMC Mobile Application.

“This new approved condition of service and salary scale add to the NIMC personnel cost which was hitherto N5.04 billion to about N16.72 billion; a difference of N11.7 billion approximately. The Governing Board and Management of NIMC must ensure the judicious utilization of the approved funds as it is released in phases.

“One of the major challenges I came across in the supervision of the NIMC was the poor working condition of the staff. Since the inception of NIMC in 2007, multiple attempts have been made to change the narrative of the staff emoluments without success.

“Furthermore, the process towards achieving a functional condition of service for the Commission has been a long and daunting task that commenced since 2010. Successive administrations have made efforts to institute a statutory personnel policy that accentuates the NIMC’s enormous mandate and humongous service offering to the Nigerian people. These previous attempts, although strong-willed, were unsuccessful, leading to disenchantment amongst the Commission’s work force and loss of competent and highly skilled personnel to other agencies and organizations within and outside Nigeria (to countries such as Eritrea, United Kingdom and Canada).

Following the completion of transfer of the supervision of NIMC to the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy in October 2020, it became my responsibility to oversee and supervise the affairs of the Commission.

“My first task was to undertake a due diligence and a review process of the NIMC’s Human Capital needs and Technical Audit to ascertain their progress as well as challenges. It was at this point, after series of briefings from the Acting Chairman of the Governing Board, Director General, and top management; and meetings with representatives of the staff union, that I came to appreciate the dire necessity to reform and rejig the NIMC personnel architecture and the urgent need for intervention for upgrade of the National Identity Management System (NIMS)”.

Pantami said that he compared the NIMC Personnel Policy with other ICT parastatals under the Communications and Digital Economy Ministry and found out NIMC has the poorest Staff remuneration scheme with a highly sensitive mandate to deliver.

Thus, the staff renumeration existing then was not commensurate to the work delivery expected from the Commission.

“As you all may be aware, NIMC issues foundation identity, and at the foundation of a digitized economy is the critical role that Digital Identity plays which drives innovation in Banking, e-Commerce, Security, Governance, and Healthcare amongst others. For an evolving digital economy like ours, foundational identity will provide a universal multipurpose system capable of supporting the needs for an inclusive legal identity to ensure citizen’s access to social services and effective undertaking of their civic responsibilities”, the Minister said.

He added that the concept of Digital Identity is universal and the role it plays usually depends on a country and its institutional context. In some countries like Estonia, Republic of South Korea and Singapore that are considered as high-income countries, digital identity represents an upgrade from well-established, robust legacy physical identity systems that have worked reasonably well in the past.

“These Countries now boast of a multipurpose identity (foundational) scheme that covers their entire population and enables them to deliver public services more efficiently. Thus, through innovative approaches put in place to implement the Nigeria Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), and collaboration with all relevant public and private stakeholders, the ICT sector has seen unprecedented growth in the history of Nigeria contributing 17.92% to the total real GDP in Q2 2021, 20.54% higher than its contribution a year earlier and in the preceding quarter.

“The first step I took on the Personnel matter, was to advise the DG to set up a committee to review the existing policies at the time. Following the submission of a revised draft Condition of Service by the Committee, I scheduled arrays of consultations with relevant authorities, chiefly with the Honourable Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Federation, the Minister of Finance, and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation amongst others.

“It was challenging rallying all and sundry to understand the exigency of the NIMC plight, and to bring everyone on-board considering the economic contractions witnessed in recent years, and of course, other pressing national projects contending for the available but lean resources.

“Through persistence, determination and most importantly, the support of Mr. President, we have arrived at where we are today. We now have a new Condition of Service and Salary Scale approved by Mr. President for the National Identity Management Commission. The new Condition of Service and Salary Scale increases with over 200% the total NIMC personnel cost, a significant departure from what is currently obtainable. We are indeed grateful to President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR for the approval and directives to implement the NIMC Condition of Service and Salary Scale”, he said.

Mallam Bello Ibrahim Gwandu, acting chairman of NIMC Governing Board, in his remarks at the ceremony, disclosed that “since 2010 we have been galvanizing efforts to ensure a positive change in the fortunes of NIMC’s workforce, but each time we take one successful step forward, there appears to be multiple gridlocks impeding our pace, All of these changed for the better upon the assumption of Professor Pantami as the supervisory Minister of NIMC. Evidence abounds of his persistent push and resilient resolve to accelerate us to this remarkable phase. We couldn’t have asked for a better Minister” he emphasized.

On his part, Engr Aliyu Abdullaziz, Director General of NIMC, while expressing the profound gratitude of the Commission in particular and the sector in general, noted that ‘Professor Pantami has achieved in less than a year, what previous administrations tried unsuccessfully to achieve in over a decade”.

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TECHDIGEST – The Nigerian telecom regulator is set to launch a compendium of landmark speeches and presentations of the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta.

Titled: “Catalysing Nigeria’s Socio-Economic Transformation through Broadband Infrastructure,” the historic launch of the book is scheduled to hold at the Communications & Digital Economy Complex, Mbora, Abuja, on September 7, 2021, by 10:00 a.m. prompt.

The book is a compilation of carefully selected, seminal speeches and presentations of Prof. Danbatta, touching on all strategic areas of the nation’s telecoms industry development and the entire digital economy ecosystem, since his assumption of office as the EVC/CEO of NCC in August 2015.

Danbatta, a Professor of telecommunications engineering, accomplished academic and seasoned administrator has made extensive speeches and presentations on a wide range of subjects in telecoms and ICT at important national, regional and international events since leaving the ivory tower to become the EVC of NCC in 2015.

His landmark speeches and presentations from 2015 till date have, thus, been codified in a concise collection, as a compendium, providing useful information that will significantly add value to the existing body of knowledge in the telecoms sector, and by extension, the entire Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry.

The foreword to the book has been painstakingly written by the late former Chairman, Board of Commissioners of NCC, Alh. Ahmed Joda of blessed memory. The book will serve as useful reference material not only for existing and prospective investors in the sector but also for researchers in academia as well as policy analysts and others interested in any aspects of the telecom industry and regulation. The book which also chronicles important milestones attained by the Commission under Danbatta’s leadership is a compelling read.

The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, will be the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion. Senior government officials, industry leaders and stakeholders as well as dignitaries from across the country are billed to attend the landmark event.

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TECHDIGEST – The Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Pantami has bagged Security and Emergency Managememt Award (SAEMA) for championing implementation of policy and policy against cyber attacks and online criminal activities.

The award which waa presented by the Executive Secretary Centre for Crisis Communication (CCC), Air Commmodore Yusuf Anas Retired was in recognition of Minister’s contributions in facilitating projects on cybersecurity to tackle cybercrimes and online frauds.

The investiture was made at the sideline of an official presentation of a book, titled, Digital Innovation for Economic Prosperity in Nigeria by Image Merchants Promotion Limited, the publishers of PRNigeria and Economic Confidential.

The CCC boss said: “Under the leadership of Dr. Ali Pantami, the Ministry established an international standard Computer Emergency Response and Readiness Team (CERRT) at NITDA Headquarters targeted at upgrading Nigeria’s cybersecurity to promote national security.

“As watchdog of the federal government, the Computer Emergency Response and Readiness Team (CERRT) helps Nigeria to monitor potential cyber-attacks, detect and mitigate potential cybersecurity threats on the country.

“Similarly, the ministry has upgraded and added more Emergency Communication Centres (ECCs) undertaken by Nigerian Communication Commission (CCC) for tackling insecurity through activating emergency numbers in cases of emergencies across many states.

“The ministry has also provided necessary technology to enable security agencies to effectively tackle insecurity in the country.”

While commending the Emergency Digest and CCC, the organisers of the award, Dr. Pantami said that the government would continue to provide technological tools for tackling insecurity in the country.

His words, “Technology has been addressing (security) but in our own area, we are not security agencies. The security agencies are the ones that are supposed to leverage on the technology to do their own work and we have been mandated to give them all the necessary support.

“Since my first day in office, we have been giving them (security agencies) support.  Any support they need in technology to do their work.

“It is their work to leverage technology.  It is not our duty to say this is what to achieve.  What they require, we have provided 100 per cent, not even 99 per cent and we will continue to do that.”

On the 5G technology deployment, the minister said that the Draft Policy would be presented to the federal Executive Council (FEC), after the working Group set up on the it concludes its assignment.

He said that the government started the process in 2020 but was confronted with the COVID-19 conspiracy theory.

According to him, following the confirmation by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) that the two were not related, the conspiracy theory has been destroyed intellectually and scientifically.

“In spite of that, we set up a Working group to study the effectiveness. Accordingly, people from technology, health, environment and security.  They have been working for over a year on the policy of deployment of 5G in Nigeria, so that we can be on the same page and be sure there is no vacuum that others can exploit to the detriment of the citizens of our country.

“So we are on the same page and I think the policy will soon be presented before the Federal Executive Council.  When it is approved, the National Frequency Management Council will assign Spectrum to NCC and NCC will release it to operators for deployment.”

Speaking earlier at the book presentation, Dr. Pantami the publication provided insights into Nigeria’s digital economy and his Ministry’s approach towards developing it.

He observed that digital innovation has led to a shift from the traditional economy into the digitalized one, and this digital transformation of the economy has led to economic prosperity in Nigeria and around the world.

The minister urged Nigerians to develop the habit of reading, as according to him, “Readers are leaders” and that all noted world leaders were people who spend quality time reading.

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