In a bold move to spearhead the global digital transition, Nigeria has unveiled a comprehensive, multi-pronged strategy designed to localise WSIS+20 commitments. This roadmap accelerates national transformation by prioritising robust infrastructure, transparent internet governance, and advanced cybersecurity through deep stakeholder collaboration.

Unveiled in New York at the Nigerian high-level side event titled “Re-Imagining Digital Cooperation for Sustainable Development: From WSIS+20 Vision to Local Action,” the strategy cements Nigeria’s position as a primary architect of the world’s digital future.

Speaking at the event, the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE represented by Director, Corporate Planning and Strategy, Dr. Dimie Shively Wariowei said Nigeria’s approach is deliberately aligned with the four core activity areas identified under the ongoing WSIS+20 review process.

According to him, the focus areas provide a practical framework for translating global digital commitments into measurable national outcomes, ensuring that international resolutions drive inclusive growth and sustainable digital development at the country level.

Inuwa identified digital infrastructure as the foundation of effective localisation, noting persistent challenges in extending connectivity to underserved and remote communities. Beyond infrastructure gaps, he highlighted affordability constraints and digital literacy deficits, stressing that addressing these issues remains central to Nigeria’s digital inclusion drive.

He explained that government alone cannot shoulder the burden of nationwide digital infrastructure deployment, given Nigeria’s vast geographical spread, hence the adoption of collaborative Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models. He disclosed that Nigeria, in collaboration with the World Bank, is implementing a major fibre-optic project spanning about 90,000 kilometres nationwide to boost connectivity.

The NITDA DG also revealed that the current National Broadband Plan, which has guided broadband expansion in recent years, is nearing completion, with plans underway to renew and reposition it for the next five years. The renewed plan, he said, will strategically target increased broadband penetration as a catalyst for digital access and economic growth.

On internet governance, Inuwa referenced Nigeria’s active participation in the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), noting that the country successfully hosted its annual national IGF. He said the forum operates on a multi-stakeholder model that brings together government, the private sector, civil society and the technical community to foster cooperation and informed policy dialogue.

Cybersecurity, he added, remains a critical pillar of Nigeria’s localisation efforts. He cited the existing Cybersecurity Act and ongoing efforts to strengthen the legal framework through a reviewed version currently awaiting parliamentary approval. These measures, he said, are designed to mitigate risks associated with increased internet use and to protect users and critical digital infrastructure.

Inuwa further stressed Nigeria’s ambition to play a leadership role in advancing digital cooperation across Africa through inclusive, multi-stakeholder engagement. He underscored the importance of coordinated national data collection, noting that reliable, country-specific data is essential for tracking progress and presenting Africa’s digital development story on the global stage.

He concluded that sustained engagement and follow-up actions arising from the WSIS+20 review would strengthen digital cooperation among African countries and ensure that global digital commitments translate into tangible national and regional impact.

Stakeholders commended Nigeria’s efforts in the digital space, acknowledging the country’s growing role in shaping Africa’s digital future.

Earlier, Ms. Jennifer Chung, Co-Convener of the Informal Multi-Stakeholder Sounding Board (IMSB), praised Nigeria for convening a broad-based, multi-stakeholder delegation and for its commitment to the meaningful implementation of WSIS+20 outcomes.

Chung stressed the growing demand for localised WSIS follow-up mechanisms, noting that platforms such as the annual IGF, National and Regional IGF Initiatives (NRIs), and youth-led forums are vital for tracking progress towards the 2030 Agenda and Africa’s Agenda 2063.

She described the WSIS+20 review as a critical step toward effective monitoring, reliable data collection and evidence-based evaluation, particularly for developing countries in the Global South. According to her, these measures are essential to achieving WSIS targets and ensuring that no region is left behind.

Drawing parallels with the Asia-Pacific region, Chung noted that challenges around affordable and meaningful connectivity remain widespread across developing economies. She emphasised that expanding broadband penetration and reducing the cost of access are crucial to closing digital divides in Africa, Asia-Pacific and other parts of the Global South.

She also highlighted the need to enable active citizen participation in emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence and future innovations such as quantum technologies, stressing that inclusive digital access is key to maximising the benefits of digital transformation.

Reflecting on the WSIS+20 review process, Chung praised the innovative and inclusive approach adopted through the informal multi-stakeholder sounding board, describing it as one of the first of its kind in global digital governance. She called for sustained collaboration among governments, the private sector, civil society and the technical community to carry the WSIS vision from global commitments to local action.

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The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), now in its 20th year, is the United Nations’ main platform for digital cooperation and policy dialogue. This year’s edition has brought together more than 150 countries to review progress since the first WSIS in 2005 and to outline priorities ahead of a UN General Assembly review later this year.

At the event, hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the Swiss government, 19 projects were announced as winners of the WSIS Prizes, which honour practical initiatives that use technology to tackle real-world challenges.

Nigeria was recognised in the Access to Information and Knowledge category for its Digital Awareness Programme, run by the Nigerian Communications Commission. According to the organisers, the initiative has helped bridge the digital divide in underserved communities by providing training and tools to expand digital literacy.

South Africa won in the Enabling Environment category for its Digitech programme, a government-backed effort to promote local technology developers and digital products. Officials say the platform has supported startups and encouraged homegrown solutions, boosting the visibility of South African tech companies.

Zimbabwe’s Usawa Institute received the Media category award for its Girls Speak Out project, which trains girls in coding and digital storytelling. The grassroots initiative aims to give young women in marginalised communities better access to technology and opportunities in the digital economy.

Tanzania was named a winner in the E-Health category for its New Era in Zanzibar’s Healthcare project, an initiative led by PharmAccess. By introducing digital unique IDs for patients, the programme aims to improve access, transparency, and efficiency in health service delivery. Speaking at the event, Dr. Heri Marwa of PharmAccess Tanzania said the project is helping to modernise healthcare systems on the islands.

Speaking on the sidelines of the forum, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin said the awards demonstrate how practical, community-based solutions can help countries meet their development goals through technology. Since the first WSIS in 2005, global internet usage has grown from one billion to more than 5.5 billion people, but experts say gaps in connectivity and digital skills remain.

The WSIS+20 forum will run through July 11, with delegates expected to agree on proposals for accelerating digital transformation in the years ahead. Organisers say Africa’s growing presence at the summit reflects the continent’s progress in driving local tech solutions and tackling digital inequality.

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The former Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Pantami, is set to launch a book on his 20-year experience in the academia.

According to a statement by Professor Sahalu B. Junaidu, Chairman, Organising Committee for the launch, the public presentation of the literature titled, “A Scholar’s Journey: Navigating Academia” will take place on 24 January, 2024 at Fraser Suite Abuja.

“The book has documented 20 years of Professor Pantami’s academic experiences, successes, challenges, resilience, and opportunities. It provides account of Professor Pantami’s scholarly journey into the academic world of excellence.

“Each of the chapters is dedicated to a particular academic and industry experience that has been largely responsible for his emergence, rise and accomplishment of excellence in academic pursuits and in the application of knowledge for sustainable digital transformation.

“The book, written in a unique literary style, has been documented to serve as a mentorship guide for those interested in being mentors,” the statement partly read.

The statement added that the book, which will serve as a guide for academics, shall be available to the public in relevant bookstores at home and abroad after the event.

Professor Pantami is a University Chancellor; Professor of Cybersecurity, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State; Nigeria’s first Minister of Digital Economy, from 2019 to 2023; and the first African Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec). He is also a Fellow of the British Computer Society (BCS) and a Fellow of the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS). He was the Chairman, World Summit on Information Society (WSIS), from 2022 to 2023 and the fourth Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), from 2016 to 2019. He has lectured in universities within and outside Nigeria.

Professor Pantami has previously published many academic and other books as an author. In the last three years, he has published “Skills Rather Than Just Degrees”, “Cybersecurity Initiatives for Securing a Country”, “Digital Economy for a Digital Africa”, and “Datafication of Society to Foster an Internet Economy”.

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TECHDIGEST – Nigeria’s Communications and Digital Economy Minister, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, this week today in Bucharest, played the pivotal role in ensuring Africa won a top level seat on the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) management team.

The keenly contested position of Director of the Union’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, between Africa, the Bahamas and the Middle East which went into a third round of voting, culminated in the emergence of Dr Cosmas Zavazava of Zimbabwe as the winner.

The elections had hit a gridlock after delegates voted twice with none of the candidates hitting the 91 vote count required to win. It was postponed by the President of the Plenary, Mr. Sabin Samas to Monday 3rd October 2022.

Leader of the Nigerian delegation to the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2022, Professor Pantami, then took to the floor and protested the postponement which he stressed, would disenfranchise the continent as the number of eligible voting candidates would be drastically reduced by then, as most would have travelled back to their various countries. He insisted that the elections be re-conducted in a historic third round of voting.

READ ALSO: Nigeria joins global communities at record capacity, largest ever GITEX 2022

“It would be unfair to Africa if the elections are postponed as many delegates would have traveled back to their respective bases by Monday. On behalf of Africa, I insist that the elections be re-conducted immediately, so as to give a fair fighting chance to all the candidates and I request that the plenary considers this valid request in the interest of Africa and all concerned”. After deliberations, the plenary accepted his request and the process was repeated.

Following his request which was greeted with a thunderous ovation by participants, candidates from Gambia, Pakistan, Cameroon, Congo and Zambia withdrew their candidatures, clearing the path for Africa to field a consensus candidate who eventually won the elections.

With this victory, Cosmas Zavazava becomes the only African currently occupying a position on the ITU management team and a formidable voice for Africa, in driving the digital transformation agenda for the most underserved continent.

It would be recalled that Professor Pantami, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and first ever, of digital economy, has worked tirelessly for the inclusion of Africa in global policy affairs, particularly in the sector, since his appointment as Chairman of the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) at the ITU.

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TECHDIGEST – The Federal Government has directed the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Galaxy Backbone Limited and Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) to collaborate with the seven champions of the World Summit on the Information Society Forum (WSIS) which includes the winner of WSIS 2022 to ensure that their innovative solutions are of global benefits.

The Honorable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and Chairman of WSIS 2022, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) made this known in Abuja during the awards presentation ceremony of WSIS Champions for 2020, 2021 and 2022.

“I want to use this opportunity on behalf of Federal government of Nigeria to direct NITDA, Galaxy Backbone and NCC to look at your solutions and identify where you need support so that the solution will not just remain as a startup, but rather we want to build the solution here and becoming the tech giant at least in the next few years and this is our ambition”, the Minister said.

Prof. Pantami stated that he is hopeful after the three institutions of government have had sessions with the WSIS champions, they will have their performances reviewed and rendered support where necessary so that their solutions will go beyond where they are presently and be of global benefit.

READ ALSO: Pantami Confirms Irregularities on IPPIS, Vows Review

He said the WSIS event, which took place in Geneva, Switzerland had technical sessions where youths around the world were challenged to submit their projects covering e-health, e-agriculture, e-education and other fields.

“The heads of the technical session presented their results to me in Geneva and I am glad to say that some of our young innovators emerged as the global winners and champions”, he said.

The winner for the WSIS 2022 Hackathon is Afrilingo by Franca Umasoye Igwe while the other six champions were, Association of Women in Technology in Nigeria by Martha Alade (2022); Initiative for Mothers with Cerebal Palsy Children in Nigeria by Rachael Inegbedion (2021); Top Up and Get Reward Limited by Samuel Babatunde (2021); Wizwish International Farm by Wisdom Ikpechukwu (2020); Chipsnbrain by Oluwaseyi Akinolu (2020); and Makerspace Project by Oreoluwa Lesi (2020)

Prof. Pantami said because there wasn’t any formal sessions for 2020 and 2021 due. to COVID-19, the winners and champions for the aforementioned years were presented their awards during WSIS 2022.

“Furthermore we are all aware that the Federal Government through the ministry and office of the Chief of Staff to President worked on the Nigerian startup bill which has already been passed by both arms of the National Assembly; we believe that in the next few days Mr President will look into it and it will become a law.

He opined that when the startup bill is eventually passed into law, it will be among the major achievements of not only this administration but throughout the history of the Digital Economy and ICT in Nigeria.

“In that bill, there are provisions of so many benefits for our young innovators and startups, like pioneer status, grants, incentives, loans and also the law when approved will establish a presidential council where Mr President will chair the council and he will be supported by the Vice President and the Minister incharge of the Digital Economy will be the vice-chair, where government, private sector and young innovators will come together; look into their challenges and Mr President will give directives there and then for the sector to continue to be very successful”, Prof Pantami.

The CEO, Afrilingo, Franca Umasoye Igwe thanked the Minister and Federal of Nigeria for the recognition.

While one of the WSIS champion Mrs. Martha Alade, Chief Executive Officer of Women in Technology in Nigeria appreciated the Honorable Minister’s effort to personally present their awards to them and not have them couriered which she said shows how passionate Prof Pantami is about startup and the ICT ecosystem in general.

WSIS is the largest ICT event where development of the sector is put in the front burner. All the 193 United Nation countries are members.

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TECHDIGEST – The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami bringing a great and positive light to Nigeria was appointed by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as the Chairman of the World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) forum 2022.

The WSIS Forum 2022 began in a virtual format on 15 March, while the final week was held physically with augmented remote participation from 30 May to 3 June 2022 at the ITU Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, under the theme of ICTs for Well-Being, Inclusion, and Resilience.

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day 2022 (WTISD-22) puts the spotlight on “Digital technologies for older persons and healthy aging”, also called digital ageism, reflecting a defining demographic trend of the 21st century.

Digital ageism plays a significant role in the perception that older adults are less mentally and physically competent, and incapable of adapting to new technologies that could otherwise improve their overall health and well-being.

According to ITU Secretary-General Houlin Zhao, “Digital technologies are a crucial factor for everyone’s healthy ageing”.

Technology has fueled a slew of societal, medical, and technological trends that have become ingrained in people’s daily lives. There is no doubt that technology improves and fills gaps in the healthcare delivery system.

However, there are still barriers to older adults using technology that must be considered and addressed. Several older adults are skeptical and intimidated by technological change. This mindset is frequently accompanied by self-doubt and anxiety, which prevents them from experimenting with new technology.

The internet has negative consequences. Its vast amount of information empowers users. But, for older people who are just getting started with the internet, information overload can be frightening. When seniors gain access to the internet, going online becomes a part of their daily routine.

About 75 percent of older adults with internet access say they use it daily. The advancement of new technologies will benefit healthy ageing and longevity by allowing people of all ages to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

A few technological innovations have been used to keep people physically active, enable independent living by detecting falls, smart home technology, early detection of diseases and management of disease conditions, maintenance of social connections by reducing social isolation, and continued participation in the workforce.

The coronavirus pandemic exemplifies how quickly seniors learned the ins and outs of new technologies to stay connected with loved ones by using FaceTime, hosting meetings on Zoom, and participating in telemedicine calls with physicians.

It is noteworthy that with a little guidance and practice, older persons will be able to master any technology they desire.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also demonstrated that older adults require a comfortable relationship with technology, as evidenced by the difficulty many have had in registering for vaccines online and the way technology has helped mitigate loneliness during a difficult time.

The development of home-based technologies to make life easier, safer, and more interesting for older adults is a major focus for psychologists in the area.

So, many IT firms are at the forefront of this research, bringing together faculty and students from community health, psychology, engineering, architecture, public health, and other fields to design and research technologies for successful ageing.

Technology has the enormous potential to improve people’s lives. Potentially, using technology helps you save money and time while also allowing you to easily connect with loved ones to revisit the past.

Although people of different ages may find different uses for technology, senior citizens, like other demographics, can benefit from technological advancements. Consider how much good you can do by teaching seniors about technology.

The advantages extend beyond just lessons to demonstrating your love for them. And the seniors will appreciate your efforts to teach them about technology.

Fom Gyem
Wuye District, Abuja

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By Uwa Suleiman

TECHDIGEST – Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy and Chairman World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2022, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, has unveiled his strategy for ensuring that the objectives of the WSIS Action Lines are achieved optimally. He made this disclosure while receiving the reports of the high-level tracks during the Ministerial Round Table at the ongoing event in Geneva, Switzerland.

Addressing global ministers of technology at the end of the two day multi-stakeholder deliberations, the Chairman informed his counterparts that “my vision for this year’s WSIS Forum includes a paradigm shift from a focus on the five day activity to one that will entail a set of activities over the period of the year to enhance the ability of the stakeholders to achieve the objectives of the WSIS Action Lines, with the reports of the high-level tracks as our baseline and launch pad for the year-long activities. ”

The intense high level track deliberations, which consisted of eleven sessions, explored the areas such as bridging digital divides, inclusiveness and access to information for all, applications and services, climate change, enabling environment, digital economy and trade, financing for development and the role of ICT, cultural diversity and identity, dimensions of information and knowledge societies, media, ICTs and gender mainstreaming, among others.

READ ALSO: ITU Appoints Pantami To Lead World Summit On Information Society Forum 2022

The Chairman further emphasised that the WSIS Action Lines are crucial for advancing the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals hence, it is important to continue to align the process with the 2030 agenda for sustainable development.

Uwa Suleiman is Spokesperson to the Minister of Communications & Digital Economy

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TECHDIGEST – Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami Tuesday 31st May 2022 formally chaired the on-going World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).

An historic moment for Pantami, Nigeria and the continent, being the first time the forum will be chaired by an African since the first phase took place in Geneva from 10 to 12 December 2003. The then UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan and mainly African and Latin American government leaders championed the second phase of WSIS in Tunis in 2005 to make the Internet and modern telecoms more accessible to millions in developing economies.

The Nigerian minister led global economies that converged at the headquarters of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Geneva for WSIS Forum 2022 to declare the high-level policy sessions open.

Pantami leveraged on this year’s theme titled: ICTs for well-being, Inclusion and Resilience; WSIS Cooperation for Accelerating Progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to call for more support for technological development through multi stakeholder engagements and collaborations between institutions and global economies.

Multi stakeholder engagements and collaborations are the enabling tools for global economic prosperity and development, said Pantami.

The 2022 chair of the WSIS Forum tasked participants from over one hundred countries on the need for post-event engagements to drive the requisite partnerships to make the SDGs achievable.

“There is a need for this forum to constitute a high level mult-istakeholder advisory council and a multi-stakeholder implementation committee to ensure that we continue to track and monitor outcomes and engagements post event.”

READ ALSO: ITU Appoints Pantami To Lead World Summit On Information Society Forum 2022

He added: “Today, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is no longer a choice but a necessity as the world has come to realise particularly during the pandemic, as technology enabled us to continue with our activities and especially the business of governance virtually”.

Using Nigeria as a case study, he said “Nigeria exited the recession brought about by the pandemic a year earlier than predicted, ahead of several other countries in spite of global projections, largely due to the influence of technologies. Available statistics further provide proof that ICT played a principal role in achieving this feat”.

In the last quarter of 2020, the Nigerian ICT Sector grew by 14.70% and 12.90% for the whole year, and the sector has continued to “make quantum leaps as we take advantage of resources at our disposal to enable economic development. Nigeria’s youthful population with an average age of 18.3 years, coupled with the advantage of having the largest economy on the African continent, positions it strategically to explore digital technologies for optimal growth.”

WSIS Forum 2022 consists of 11 high level panel discussions with globally recognised sector experts, policy makers, heads of governments, corporations and civil society organisations.

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TECHDIGEST – Nigeria’s Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Professor Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has described his appointment as the Chairman World Summit on Information Societies Forum (WSIS) as a win not just for Nigeria, but the African continent as a whole.

The Minister made this remark today, Monday 30th May 2022 at a meeting with the Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Mr Houlin Zhou at the Union’s headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. “We are very pleased about the recognition accorded us based on our modest achievements within the sector particularly on our continent and by extension, we consider the appointment not as a personal or national recognition but as a continental achievement because Nigeria is strategically the leader of the continent, the most populous country in Africa with the biggest and the largest economy on the continent among other things, so occupying this position as the giant of Africa is an honour for Africa and an opportunity for us to continue to contribute our quota to the success of our sector globally. We assure you that we will give the maximum attention it requires.”

Professor Pantami also noted that “the sector has the support of the Federal Government of Nigeria and particularly President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) whose interventions have made the achievements in the sector possible. Recall that the Honourable Minister was appointed as forum chairman-designate for the 2022 Summit and is to retain the position for a year.

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TECHDIGEST – Nigerian Communication Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT ), has commended the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami on his appointment to Chair the 2022 World Summit on Information Society (WSIS) Forum by the International Telecommunication Union, (ITU).

READ ALSO: ITU Appoints Pantami To Lead World Summit On Information Society Forum 2022

‘Since the Hon Minister’s assumption as the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, the focus and direction of the industry on the Nigeria economy has changed to a more fruitful, impactful and growth’, said Managing Director, NIGCOMSAT Ltd, Dr. Abimbola Alale, while felicitating with the minister on behalf of the Board, Management and Staff, of the communication satellite company.

‘This was due to his diligent, hard work and passion in the Information and Communication Technology industry. There couldn’t have been any better choice to lead the Forum Session recognizing the tremendous impact of Pantami’s leadership in the ICT industry in the country,’ added Alale.

She believes that recognizing Pantami to chair such important global event cannot be unconnected to his role and policies in the growth and contribution of the ICT section to the Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to a statement released in Abuja by NIGCOMSAT’s General Manager, Corporate Affairs and Special Project, Dr. Adamu Idris.

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