Speaking at the launch ceremony in Abuja, Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, described the initiative as a milestone in modernising environmental governance and driving sustainability through technology.

“Digitalisation is no longer optional; it is a necessity. Through the Galaxy Backbone 1Government Cloud, we are enabling data-driven environmental management, eliminating paperwork, reducing operational costs, and directly cutting carbon emissions,” Lawal said.

He added that the platform would enhance transparency, improve evidence-based policymaking, and strengthen service delivery to citizens.

The 1Government Cloud, introduced by Galaxy Backbone (GBB) as part of its Sovereign Digitalisation Programme, aims to digitise 70 per cent of federal government services by 2025. It brings Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) onto a unified digital platform to ensure data sovereignty and reduce dependence on foreign infrastructure.

Several MDAs, including the Ministries of Solid Minerals, Steel Development, Foreign Affairs, Justice, and Intergovernmental Affairs, have already begun onboarding the system.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mahmud Adam Kambari, praised the initiative as a key step toward achieving a paperless government and commended GBB for providing a secure and indigenous platform for public sector operations.

Programme Director, Mr. Wumi Oghoetuoma, said the initiative reflects Africa’s leadership in building homegrown digital systems. “The Galaxy 1Government Programme is leading public sector digitalisation in Africa, for Africa, by Africa. This is not just about technology; it is about protecting our digital destiny and sovereignty,” he said.

The Ministry has already deployed the GBB 1Gov Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS), onboarding 15 offices and departments with over 300 workflows created and nearly 900 user accounts activated.

Dr. Sam Nwosu, CEO of Secured Records Management Solutions Ltd, described the programme as evidence of Nigeria’s ability to build world-class digital infrastructure and a strong step toward technological self-reliance.

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The project, implemented by Galaxy Backbone Limited under the Sovereign Digitalisation Programme, is being piloted in key ministries, including Communications, Solid Minerals, Steel Development, Justice, Foreign Affairs, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

The 1Gov Cloud will consolidate secure digital tools such as GovDrive for file management, GovECMS for automated workflows, GovMail for official communications, and GovE-Sign for electronic approvals. It will also support encrypted video conferencing, one-time password authentication, and a centralised asset management system.

Programme Director, Wumi Oghoetuoma, said the initiative will cut costs, eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks, and improve accountability. “This is about transparency, efficiency, and better service delivery for Nigerians,” he said.

Galaxy Backbone CEO, Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, described the project as a “turning point” for digital governance. “With 1Gov, Nigeria is entering a new era of faster decision-making and more secure documentation,” he said.

The rollout aligns with the directive of the Head of the Civil Service, Didi Esther Walson-Jack, who earlier ordered all MDAs to fully digitise operations by December 2025 under the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan.

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The MOU signing ceremony, which took place at Galaxy Backbone’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, underscores the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Digital Transformation Agenda and the commitment of both institutions to foster a more secure, connected, and technologically empowered Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone, Professor Ibrahim Adeyanju, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in strengthening digital-led policing.

“Today’s agreement represents more than a partnership—it reflects a shared vision for a smarter, more resilient, and inclusive Nigeria. Our collaboration with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund brings cutting-edge technology into the heart of Nigeria’s security architecture through the deployment of Smart Police Stations. These initiatives reflect our firm commitment to innovation, trust, and nation-building,” he said.

Under the terms of the agreement, GBB will provide high-speed fibre connectivity, cloud platforms, and secure digital infrastructure to support the deployment of Smart Police Stations in key locations nationwide. These stations will be equipped with advanced ICT tools to enhance real-time communication, surveillance, data sharing, and operational efficiency within the Nigeria Police Force.

The Executive Secretary of NPTF, Mohammed Sheidu expressed optimism that the partnership will consolidate the digitization initiative of the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to him the partnership with Galaxy backbone will consolidate digitalization of Policing across the country.

“And it only makes sense to have strategic collaborations and partnerships with agencies like yours for us to be able to achieve the digitalisation agenda, the renewed hope agenda of Mr. President”

“With the MOU signing today is how we can foster the achievements of the Nigerian police force in digitalisation. when we discussed, we talked about how we want to go into police stations and not having our papers paid, but you guys can come in and digitalise statement forms. We can also have a way our police stations are connected to one another.”

“One of the major problems that we have seen with the Nigerian police force is actually data collections and data gathering.Now with our organizations partnering together to be able to put out a solution that will capture this intelligence and information gathering”

This initiative reinforces Galaxy Backbone’s strategic role as the digital backbone of government operations—enabling secure, interoperable platforms that support innovation, governance, and national development. The agreement with the Nigeria Police Trust Fund is a bold step toward building a more secure and technologically advanced Nigeria.

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The Federal Government is stepping up efforts to implement e-government systems to improve productivity and provide more accessible services to citizens.

At the recent e-Government Summit in Lagos, officials from the Nigerian Communications Commission, National Information Technology Development Agency, and industry experts highlighted the need for enhanced connectivity to support governance improvements.

The renewed push follows the unveiling of the 1Government Cloud Software by Galaxy Backbone in July.

The cloud-based solution, which integrates infrastructure and software as a service, aims to provide secure data storage and software to Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

The government’s move aligns with the 2020 launch of the Nigeria e-Government Master Plan, which is designed to support the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, a strategy aimed at boosting economic performance.

The Director of Corporate Planning and Strategy at NITDA, Dimie Warowei, said that e-government has been successful in countries like Denmark, where the initiative is driven by all levels of government.

“In Denmark, from the central government to the local government, there is collaboration. Everyone is aligned, and they even fund various aspects of the project. Each level of government is aware of its responsibilities and what needs to be done at any given time,” Warowei explained.

He identified regulatory challenges as a major obstacle to the wider adoption of e-government in Nigeria, particularly the need for clear standards and guidelines.

“Much of what is required to implement this project will come from the private sector. The government’s role is to draft appropriate regulations that enable private sector participation,” he said.

Warowei also suggested the creation of a dedicated agency to oversee the smooth implementation of the e-government initiative.

The Executive Chairman of GG Serve and convener of the Nigerian Government Summit, Engineer Lanre Ajayi, highlighted a persistent gap between the government and citizens in terms of e-government services.

Lanre, who is also the Executive Chairman of DigiServe Network Services Limited, noted that several government departments, especially at the local and state levels, are still failing to implement online services effectively.

“The deployment at these levels is deplorable, and much work remains to motivate them to move services online and integrate technology into their processes,” he said during a recent summit.

He emphasised that the discussion surrounding e-government transformation is ongoing.

“Transformation is a continuous process,” Ajayi added, stating that with the emergence of new technologies, the data conversation will remain vital as efforts to modernize government services continue.

The Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone, Professor Ibrahim Adepoju said increased collaboration across sectors was critical towards achieving the e-government agenda.

Adepoju outlined efforts to raise awareness about the organization’s infrastructure, noting that many are unaware of the capabilities already in place.

“It’s important to improve our broadband and ensure that our infrastructure remains relevant,” he said, adding that capacity utilisation remains below its potential despite significant government investment.

In August, Galaxy Backbone achieved Uptime Institute’s Tier IV certification for its second data centre, making it the first facility in the country to secure both Tier IV design and facility certifications.

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A new project by the federal government aims to connect all of the nation’s internet facilities.

Through the implementation of ‘Project 774 LG connection,’ an initiative of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, the program aims to alleviate inadequate internet and digital access by linking all 774 local government secretariats to the internet.

The project, which will be co-anchored by Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited and Galaxy Backbone, was announced on Monday, February 19, 2024, by Dr. Bosun Tijani, the minister in charge of the ministry. It is in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” as well as the strategic plan of the ministry.

The project’s main objective, according to Tijani, was to promote inclusive development and access to digital public infrastructure in government offices spread throughout Nigeria, including the most remote regions that may have been previously underserved or unserved. Tijani made this statement in a post on his personal X handle.

In addition, Tijani stated that the connection initiative would generate at least 300 new jobs in addition to expanding digital access.

“Project 774 LG Connectivity will create at least 300 direct jobs as we deploy nationwide and potentially more jobs indirectly from the increase in digital access. It is also aligned with our ministry’s strategic blueprint and is a significant step in achieving President @officialBAT’s mandate to deliver efficient public service to our citizens at the LG level,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The minister went on to say that Project 774 LG connectivity will give local governments the resources and dependable, reasonably priced internet access they need to deliver effective public services, encourage service delivery transparency, boost economic growth, and enhance citizen engagement. This will be accomplished through strategic partnerships and the implementation of cutting-edge technology.

“The implementation of this project is expected to drive transformation and unlock opportunities that will deliver sustainable development for all, through the power of connectivity,” he stated.

Additionally, the ministry had disclosed intentions to roll out internet access in all national government buildings to boost demand and promote further investment in broadband infrastructure.

He claims that because there is little demand for fiber in many areas of the nation outside of the major cities, many operators are unwilling to install it.

Tijani provided explanations for the county’s sluggish development, stating that return on investments was a major factor because some areas were deemed unprofitable for private operators.

He did, however, add that to boost usage, the ministry was trying to get all public institutions in the nation connected to encourage demand and consumption of the Internet, particularly in marketplaces, hospitals, government buildings, libraries, and schools.

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TECHDIGEST – In the quiet neighborhood of Buhari Estate, residents are buzzing with excitement over the installation of high-speed fiber optic cables by the National Information Communications Technology Infrastructure Backbone (NICTIB II) a Galaxy Backbone Project under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy.

Mohammed Nasir Bello, a forex trader and cryptocurrency dealer, eagerly anticipates the potential of this new infrastructure to revolutionize their lives. Bello believes that reliable and affordable broadband services will enable him and others in the community to scale up their trade, becoming more self-reliant and tapping into the lucrative $4.5 trillion digital economy market.

“I am excited for the opportunities that this new infrastructure brings. With reliable and affordable broadband services, my fellow traders and I can expand our businesses to become more independent and take advantage of the thriving $4.5 trillion digital economy market.”

Sharing the same optimism, Abdulkadir expresses frustration over the area’s current epileptic internet connectivity. He hopes that once the fiber optic cables are installed and launched, the chronic connectivity issues will become a thing of the past. Additionally, Abdulkadir sees great potential for the new infrastructure to generate digital job opportunities, benefiting the teeming youth population in the area.

However, amid the excitement and hope, Mustapha Sulaiman, another resident of Buhari Estate, raises a concern. He voices his disappointment with the lack of proper management of the ditches dug by the laborers during the cable installation process. Sulaiman claims that this negligence has led to occasional flooding episodes, posing a threat to the safety of residents and even resulting in casualties.

“Improper sand disposal after excavating the hole is the primary challenge faced in this project. The hole gets filled with water during rainfall, which triggers complaints from individuals regarding its adverse effects on their property. Furthermore, this circumstance leads to erosion and poses a potential hazard for young children, who could slip and sustain injuries”

Sani Abulmumuni – a graduate of Public Admin and a computer intern at Resource Center says his business is mostly centered around downloads of resource material hence the fibre optic infrastructure installation is key to his gains.

The Information Communications Technology Infrastructure Backbone (NICTIB II) a project of Nigeria’s Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy through Galaxy Backbone Limited is a continuation and expansion of the initial NICTIB project, which was implemented to address the need for improved network connectivity in Nigeria. The primary objective of NICTIB II is to establish a reliable and affordable broadband infrastructure backbone that spans the entire country.

READ ALSO: NCC Plan to Deploy four More ECCs, laments Underutilization 

By enhancing network connectivity, NICTIB II aims to facilitate effective communication and support the growth of various sectors, including education, healthcare, government services, and business enterprises. The project seeks to bridge the digital divide by providing access to high-speed internet services in both urban and rural areas of Nigeria.

The implementation of NICTIB II involves the deployment of fiber optic cables, satellite technology, and other advanced telecommunications infrastructure. It focuses on building a robust backbone network that connects major cities, towns, and rural areas, ensuring widespread coverage and improved internet connectivity.

In January 2022, the Federal Government said it is targeting $40billion private capital investments in digital infrastructure and facilitating the formation of up to $1 billion in private equity. The government estimates public investment of N150billion, according to National Development Plan 2021-2025.

This follows increased average funding for technology start-ups from $57,000 in 2015 to $73,000 in 2020, signalling increased investor interest in Nigeria. These achievements were driven, in part, by the government’s actions to develop a favourable enabling environment. For example, 98 per cent of the approximately 1400 Km of the National Information Communications Technology Infrastructure Backbone (NICTIB) phase 1 has been completed and is in operation across 11 states.

READ ALSO:NASENI Invites Producers of Lithium Batteries to Manufacture in Nigeria

Further, in 2020, the Nigerian government supported leading fibre and transmission infrastructure companies to extend coverage through the second phase of the NICTIB II project, with over 3,250 km of fibre optic cables running across the six geopolitical regions. The NICTIB II, which is being funded through a $328 million private credit facility, will provide connectivity across several towns and cities along its routes, thus facilitating access to broadband services for an estimated population of over 9.2 million people.

Dr Ali Mohammed Usman a lecturer at the Federal College of Education (FCE) Gombe and an ICT expert said the importance of this development cannot be over emphasised, stating that the era of epilptic internet supply will soon be over and citizens can leverage on Artifical Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IOT) for economic prosperity.

“The use of fiber optic cables is essential for leveraging AI and IoT technologies, which are vital for economic growth. By adopting these technologies, we can unlock innovation and create new opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses”

He also called on Galaxy backbone to priortise cyber security and and affordable service rates in the long long while providing access to computers through hubs so as to include and benefit persons with disability.

Back in September 2018, as part of former President Muhammadu Buhari’s 6-day official visit to attend the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Nigeria and its host, China sealed a $328million agreement to develop Information and Communications Technology infrastructure in Nigeria.

Details of the agreement, according to a statement issued and signed by Presidential spokesperson at the time, is on the National Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure Backbone Phase 11 (NICTIB 11) between Galaxy Backbone Limited and Huawei Technologies Limited (HUAWEI).

The facility will be provided by the Chinese EXIM Bank, and is for the development of NICTIB II project, which is consistent with the administration’s commitment to incorporating the development of ICT into national strategic planning under the National Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

The extension publicly commenced in 2020. However, noticeable gaps from investigations revealed that the project has no known contract date and there was a price change from the initially budgeted price according to data analysed from the State House website
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://statehouse.gov.ng/news/osinbajo-details-buhari-administrations-game-changing-achievements-calls-for-better-forex-management/?doing_wp_cron%3D1674220099.0930790901184082031250&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1689232681471743&usg=AOvVaw3oxO5F4pVmWVa4lDN7tt7j the Aid Data site, https://china.aiddata.org/projects/30340/
and the Debt Management Office website
https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.dmo.gov.ng/debt-profile/external-debts/3768-status-of-china-loans-as-at-september-30-2021/file&source=gmail&ust=1676368906950000&usg=AOvVaw1uIvdNpPc-5nj4NGx_uf5s

This is in addition to the fact that there is no known scope of work and the contract start or end date is not mentioned.

Efforts to get justification for missing information and further details of the coverage area did not yield result. This reporter visited the North East regional office of Galaxy Backbone located in Gombe, but the Director, Ibrahim Bello who says the office will be commissioned for full operations in early July says he cannot provide information without clearance from its Abuja headquarters.

Two time visit to Galaxy backbone headquarter in Abuja failed to yield result. In the first visit, the head of security said he was going to confirm if the head of Corporate Affairs was in, but he came back and claimed he was out after initially claiming to have seen him drive in. In the second visit, the security at the gate denied entry claiming that the head of Corpoarte Affairs was not in even though it was a working day.

For beneficiary communities, the ongoing installation of fiber optic cables represents a beacon of hope. They eagerly anticipate the benefits that reliable and affordable broadband services can bring to their daily lives, ranging from increased trade opportunities to improved access to digital resources and job prospects. However, the concerns raised by Sulaiman remind us of the importance of proper management and coordination during infrastructure development to mitigate any potential negative consequences.

As the NICTIB II project progresses, it is crucial for stakeholders to address the concerns raised by residents like Sulaiman. Balancing the excitement for progress with the need for adequate infrastructure management will be vital in ensuring the successful implementation of this transformative project. Ultimately, the fiber optic cables being laid in Kano, Gombe, Kaduna, and beyond have the potential to shape the future of connectivity and digital empowerment for the entire nation.

This story was produced with support from the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) and funding from Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE)

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TECHDIGEST – The Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Ali Ibrahim Pantami yesterday ( 23rd Feb) in Abuja, inaugurated a Committee led by the Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Adeolu Akande, to advise the Federal Government on appropriate measures to take in protection of the nation’s cyberspace and ICT infrastructure from potential attacks especially during the 2023 General Elections.

The Minister, who represented President Mohammadu Buhari, announced that constitution of the Committee was on the directive of Mr. President that he puts in place, a committee that will work to coordinate computer security centres in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry in collaboration with other relevant institutions towards intercepting potential cyber-attacks.

He said with the increased role of ICT in online activities, and its crucial role in the conduct of the 2023 General Elections, in line with the Electoral Act, as amended, the job of the Committee will assist the nation in conducting a free, fair and credible elections.

He directed the Committee, to which he also belongs alongside the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, and the Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr. Kashifu Abdullahi, among other CEOs in the ministry, to work round-the-clock from Friday, February 24, 2023 till the morning of Monday, February 27, 2023.

READ ALSO: NITDA Releases Advisory on Fact-checking Misinformation and Disinformation

He said the Committee will also ensure it receives complaints around any attacks to critical infrastructure and ensure such complaints are escalated to relevant institutions, public or private, for necessary remedial actions. The CEO of Galaxy Backbone, Prof. Mohammad Abubakar, and the Special Assistant to the Hon. Minister on Digital Economy, Prof Aminu Ahmad, are members of the Committee, including key directors in the agencies.

“Our main responsibilities in this Committee are more of advisory. Firstly, when it comes to intercepting potential attacks that may come to our cyberspace.

The Committee will coordinate the NCC’s Computer Security Incident Response Team at NCC; the Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team at the National Information Technology development Agency (NITDA) and the Galaxy Backbone’ National Cybersecurity Centre.

“These three centres must work together, complement each other and ensure they intercept any potential attacks on our cyberspace particularly on our Critical Infrastructure during the election so that we could either take action or provide necessary advice to the government,” Pantami said.

He said the Committee will work closely with institutions such as the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), mobile network operators (MNOs), among others, to collectively safeguard the Nigeria’s cyberspace from potential attacks or cases of vandalism and fibre cuts during the election.

“The challenges of protecting our cyberspace is a collective national responsibility; it is a national assignment. As a sector, we would play our own responsibility objectively and professionally. We would work collectively rather than working individually as agencies since we are in the same sector,” he added.

Chairman of the Advisory Committee, Prof. Adeolu Akande, expressed gratitude to the Hon. Minister for finding him and others worthy to be saddled with the very important national assignment, and assured the Hon. Minister of the readiness of the Committee to work hard towards delivering on its mandates of ensuring, in advisory capacity to the Federal Government and other relevant institutions, the protection of the nation’s cyberspace and ICT infrastructure during the elections.

“The committee members will do everything in their capacity to deliver on their Terms of Reference,” he said.

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TECHDIGEST- According to President Muhammadu Buhari, his administration is still dedicated to raising the Nigerian data privacy score on the worldwide scale. 

He addressed at the National Shared Service Center for the Galaxy Backbone’s recent opening in Abuja.

READALSO: Smartphone affordability worsens as price rises by 10%

The facility is designed to give government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) and businesses in the private sector reliable connectivity infrastructures. Additionally, it will aid in addressing new cyber threats to national digital assets and infrastructure.

“Our administration’s commitment to promoting data promotion and privacy is receiving praise across the world and we have increased our digital identity enrolments from 39 million in October 2020 to about 92 million today,” the president said. “The massive increase of about 63 million in about two years is a global success story and has led to several requests for partnership from countries within and outside Africa.

“I also approved the establishment of the Nigeria Data Protection Bureau NDPB] on the 4th of February, 2022 to provide an institutional framework for data protection in Nigeria, in line with global best practices.”

The National Assembly is now debating the NDPB bill, which would establish institutional and legal foundations for the country’s budding data protection industry.

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By Yushau A. Shuaib

TECHDIGEST – I arrived at GITEX 2022 in Dubai with the hope of waylaying Professor Ali Ibrahim Pantami for an exclusive interview on politics, alongside the challenges, excitements, disappointments, and accomplishments of his ever-inspiring exploits in public office, particularly since his appointment as the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy.

Pantami remains one of the few cabinet members in President Buhari’s administration who are highly pragmatic, charismatic, and results-oriented. He boldly builds partners with sincere allies, surmounts hurdles and never shies away from the good fight towards accomplishing what has been described as unprecedented feats in his Ministry. He is truly Nigerias Digital Economy maestro.

The results are certainly obvious for many to see: Apart from the digital economy sector now playing a pivotal role in lifting the Nigerian economy out of recession, it is continuously recording the highest growth rate in the countrys public sector.

Just as parastatals under his Ministry are remitting trillions of naira into the coffers of the Federal Government, a lot more in taxes and duties are also being paid by ICT companies and other sectoral players into the national treasury. Its a case of the golden goose that is being properly tended to and which continues to lay the golden eggs that expand the national fortunes, especially in a period of global fiscal crisis.

READ ALSO: At 50, Pantami is Worth Celebrating – Solomon

I was interested in asking him about the spirit behind the significant number of policies developed and the hundreds of projects executed by his Ministry towards providing an enabling environment for the sustainable growth of the communications and digital economy sector.

Rather than being granted what I had expected to be a straightforward interview, the Minister rather got me into covering the week-long activities of the Nigerian delegation at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), which he led. This was the 2022 edition of the annual Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX Global), from the 10th of October 2022 in Dubai.

The delegation led by Professor Pantami was a powerful one, having officials from Nigerias public and private sectors, including regulators, academics, media practitioners, change makers, and young entrepreneurs. Nigeria has been attending GITEX because of its enormous benefits, especially in attracting foreign direct investment to the country.

Some of the distinguished personalities on the entourage were the executive vice chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Professor Umar Danbatta; the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa; the Director General of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Engr Aliyu Aziz; and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Galaxy Backbone Limited, Professor Muhammed Bello Abubakar and Chairman of the Board of Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), Barrister Maimuna Yaya Abubakar.

As the Minister went about attending a series of summits, meetings and exhibitions, I had the opportunity of being able to engage him intermittently, and I learnt a lot both from him and in my coverage of some of these events.

While inaugurating the Nigerian exhibition pavilion, Pantami informed the audience of how, in the last three years, the Federal Government had launched several programmes, policies and projects, which have been yielding results in great leaps and bounds that have contributed to the flourishing of the countrys digital economy sub-sector.

Immediately after the inauguration and tours of numerous stands, the Minister led the team to the Startups exhibitions, where at least nine Nigerian young technology innovators had spots in the semi-final of the GITEX tech-invention competition, known as the Supernova Challenge Pitch Competition, organised by North Star Dubai.

The Challenge is the biggest pitching competition in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, where startups have the opportunity to become the next unicorns, with up to $200,000 in cash prizes up for grabs.

The Minister interacted and took pictures with promoters of the startups. He also had words of encouragement for the Nigerian semi-finalists, including Identity Pass, 9JaCodeKids Academy, Floews, Medtech, Paddycover, Pricepally, LiveBic, Technyon Technologies, and Wellness Health Technologies.

On the second day, at the Nigerian Pavilion, the Minister received visitors and also held a series of meetings with representatives of governments and big corporations seeking partnerships with Nigeria in the areas of digital identity, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, among others.

Pantami held bilateral conversations and meetings with the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Economy of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Omar Sultan Alolama and the Minister of IT and Telecommunications of Pakistan, Mr. Syed Amin Ul Haque, among other top global public figures.

The Minister also met with officials of the Dubai World Trade Center to explore areas of collaboration, as Nigeria is the largest Africa digital economy. A Senior Vice President, MEA of Oracle, Antonio Mesa consulted with Pantami towards the deepening of collaboration with Nigeria on the growth of the digital economy, through universal licences and corporate social responsibility. A strategic meeting was equally held with Vice-President of Amazon, Isabella Groegor-Cechowicz on a similar level of partnership. A dollar vault of investment opportunities was opened for the start-up community, as the Nigerian team engaged with Amazon Web Services (AWS).

One of the greatest attainments of Nigeria at GITEX 2022 came in the form of the opening up of massive opportunities as the Minister signed, on behalf of the Federal Government, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the global tech giant, Microsoft Corporation. This is for the training of five million Nigerians on high-demand technological skills that are needed for consolidating the capacities of citizens as native players in the burgeoning digital ecosystem and economy.

The Microsoft representative, Mr Deen Yusuf, said the gesture is bound to enlarge knowledge bases, and capabilities, and create massive spinoff potentials that will enhance careers, livelihoods and the national fiscal well-being.

While commending Microsoft for the prospects afforded Nigeria by this gesture, Pantami said Nigeria would continue to provide an enabling environment and ensure that regulatory instruments are developmental and flexible for Microsoft and other businesses to flourish.

The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hazmat met with the Minister and discussed how Lagos could benefit from the Microsoft offer. Lagos is the only state from Nigeria that sponsored startups to #GITEX2022.

It is necessary to state that out of over 800 applications received for the Supernova pitch competition from 37 countries across 13 categories, nine Nigeria startups emerged among the 140 semi-finalists. The 26 startups that made it to the finals of the Supernova competition also had two Nigerian startups. Eventually, a Nigerian startup, ShapShap emerged as Global Best in the Mobility and Smart Cities category, winning a cash prize of $8,000.

The Minister was elated by the success stories of Nigerian participation at this years event. Apart from the award to the winning startup, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) was equally honoured with the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)s Most Valued Partnership Award in recognition of the agencys extraordinary dedication and service at the startup and tech event.

Similarly, at the end of a discussion on Digital Inclusion: Aligning Regulators and Network Providers to Bridge Digital Divide, Professor Pantami was presented with the prestigious Dubai World Trade Centres Leadership and Commitment Award 2022, in recognition of his commitment towards advancing the digital economy at both the ATU and ITU this year. He was the only person honoured with this highly prestigious award this year.

Speaking at the Summit, the Minister said Nigeria has a lot of policies to close the digital divide and promised that the government would soon pass the Start-up bill into law for enlarging the vibrancy of the sector.

Less than a week after his assurance to the global community at GITEX 2022, on the eve of Professor Pantamis 50th birthday, President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Startup bill into law.

Not only was this carried out as a tribute to the very significant achievements of Pantami on clocking 50 years, more so the President Buhari praised him saying that: The appointment of Pantami was one of the best choices I have made because he has added tremendous value to good governance.

Buhari went further in his testament on an invaluable pioneer that, Pantamis depth of knowledge of complex issues is amazing and remarkable, and his loyalty and dedication to duty is worthy of emulation.

Just as President stated, I also join numerous well-wishers in praying that may Almighty Allah continue to guide, protect and bless our very honourable and worthy Minister, Professor Isa Ali Pantami with good health and wisdom in the service of the country and humanity.

Yushau A. Shuaib is the author of An Encounter with the Spymaster

www.YAShuaib.com

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