Buhari Commissions Nationwide Secure Defence Headquarters Communications Network
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday said his administration has repositioned and upgraded the military with modern equipment and training to become a force of global reckoning.
Buhari stated this at the commissioning of a Nationwide Secure Defence Headquarters Communications Network, GIWA 2 Project Phase One, in Abuja.
The President said the GIWA 2 Project would provide real-time secure means of communication and incident reporting, as well as information exchange between the Armed Forces and other security agencies
Buhari assured that the government will sustain its role in meeting the demands of the Armed Forces by evolving necessary initiatives to enhance its position.
His word, “As the Armed Forces of Nigeria continue to reposition to provide the enabling environment for enhancing the security and well-being of the citizens, I implore all our troops to give their best in the service of the nation.
“It also stands to enhance collaboration between our Defence, Intelligence, and Security Community while providing the platform for the denial of freedom of action to all perpetrators of insecurity across Nigeria.”
Buhari noted that the initiative of the project was in alignment with some of the main focus areas of the Federal Government in security, economic progress, and technological development.
He said these benefits of the GIWA 2 Project informed the timely support of the Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria, to ensure that the Centre is commissioned as one of the proud landmarks and enduring achievements of the Armed Forces of Nigeria under this Administration.”
President Buhari directed the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy to collaborate and support the Defence Headquarters in the project, which could impact Rural Telephony.
“To this end, the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy is to support the Defence Headquarters in ensuring that the infrastructure available for Rural Telephony is fully deployed for the attainment of GIWA 2 Project deliverables. The Federal Government shall support the full actualisation of the other phases of the GIWA 2 Project,’’ he added.
President Buhari commended the Armed Forces for their patriotism, loyalty, sense of duty, and gallantry.
His word: “Nigeria is blessed with professional and vibrant Armed Forces, which have continually displayed the unflinching capacity to protect the territorial integrity of our country.
“Our Armed Forces have continually demonstrated resolve to provide a safe, secure, and enabling environment to promote national security,” the President noted.
He said his government had made significant strides to enhance the capacity and capability of the Armed Forces to tackle the multiple security challenges.
Buhari applauded the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, other Service Chiefs, and stakeholders for the conceptualization and remarkable work in the establishment of the GIWA 2 Project.
He said, “I urge the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, and all personnel to work assiduously towards enhancing our national security. I am confident that, together we can pave the path for the creation of new opportunities to usher Nigeria into a bright future driven by a safe and prosperous environment,’’ he said.
The Nigerian Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami says digital technology brought about many innovative ideas to facilitate communication in security and even outside security.
He said it also to gathered intelligence, among many others like artificial intelligence, big data analytics, robotics, quantum computing, 5G, cyber security, automotive norms vehicle and many more.
According to him, the deployment of this QR network will support the security institutions.
“Firstly, to build trust, because having a secure network allows you to build trust. Secondly, it enhances the reputation of an institution with this deployment it will go a long way in enhancing the reputation of our security institutions in Nigeria. Number three, it also promotes confidentiality and privacy. Why? Because of Security does it need to share its communication facilities and network with others? And I believe this will go a long way in consolidating the achievements of this administration when it comes to security”, he said.
According to him, only last year, the administration approved the deployment of 5G in Nigeria, which is the most effective generation when it comes to real-time communications, among others.
He said that “Nigeria happens to be the first few countries to deploy 5G for commercial purposes” over the wall”.
The contract for the current communication resource was awarded by the CBN to Fixxers Telecommunications Limited as their mandate was to deploy special communication, telecommunication and bespoke satellite network infrastructure to enhance the security capability of the Defence Headquarters.
The commissioning had many dignities in attendance.