The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami has vowed to make Nigeria the Digital Economy capital of Africa by 2023.
Pantami represented by the the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigeria Communication Commission, Prof Umar Danbatta made this known on Monday, 12th October, 2020 at the 2020 International Legislative – Stakeholder Conference on Cyber-security held at NAF Conference Centre Abuja, Nigeria
The Minister reiterated that the Conference was indeed timely as the country celebrated the Cybersecurity Month in October.
“Cybersecurity awareness has become imperative due to the attendant risks that emanate from the appreciable migration of several transactions, meetings, lectures and other forms of interaction to online and digital platforms due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“With well thought out Innovation and Entrepreneurship programs and initiatives, we will be able to engage our teeming youth for a meaningful national development through gainful employment, improve standard of living, reduce youth restiveness and improved security of lives and property, Pantami said.
Pantami went further to reiterate the importance of cybersecurity as emphasized in Pillar #6 (Soft Infrastructure) of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria. The Soft Infrastructure pillar aims to ensure that Nigerians are secure online.
“Furthermore, Section 106(1(c)) of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 states the role of the Nigerian Communications Commission in the protection of consumer information. Similarly, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Act 2007 Section 6(l) states the role of NITDA in promoting the development of information technology to enhance national security. The Nigeria National Cybersecurity Framework also prescribes guidance for public and private sector organizations for instituting measures for enshrining cybersecurity culture and enthrones cyber-resiliency in Nigeria, Pantami said.
While congratulating Senate Committee on ICT and Cybercrime for putting the conference together, Pantami implored the legislative arm of government to support the Ministry’s drive for a diversified economy with relevant legislation in order to bequeath to Nigerians a legacy of a digitally transformed Nigeria.