Digital Nigeria Conference Unveils Book On Pantami’s Strides

Digital Nigeria Conference Unveils Book On Pantami’s Strides

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Pantami has said the digital technology increases the economy of any country.

The minister also said a digital economy can be resilient to adverse events like COVID-19, adding that digitalisation has enabled Nigeria to develop a sustainable economy.

Pantami spoke in Abuja at the unveiling of a book  “Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami: Advancing Nigeria’s Drive Towards a Digital Economy”  written by Obiora Nzekwu.

A statement by Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relations of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA)  Hadiza Umar, said it was part of the ongoing Digital Nigeria Conference in Abuja,

The NITDA spokesperson quoted the minister as saying: “Digitalization increases efficiency, reduces waste, enhances productivity, increases transparency, and supports datafication, amongst other things.

“We have shown that the digital economy can greatly support the traditional economy. The contribution of the digital economy to the gross domestic product (GDP) of Nigeria and its role in making the economy resilient to adverse events like the COVID-19 pandemic are two good examples of the impact of the digital economy on the traditional economy.”

Speaking earlier, Prof  Pantami said  the ministry excelled at the recently concluded retreat for all ministers.

“The assessment was based on the output indicators and milestones for the eight ministerial deliverables and the ministry obtained the highest grade in each of the deliverables.

“Implementation of Broadband Connectivity was 134 per cent, deployment of 4G across the country -127 per cent, digitalising government functions and processes was 99 per cent.

“Development and implementation of a National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy -103 per cent, while implementation of a Digital Identity Programme was 86 per cent.

“Improvement and optimisation of revenues from all operators and licensees in the agencies under the ministry’s supervision was 594 per cent,” the minister said.

In his foreword to the book, President Muhammadu Buhari recommended the book to researchers, scholars, policy makers and Chief Executive Officers, in business and public offices.

In his Foreword, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR commended Professor Pantami for being a good example of excellence and focus in how he has discharged his responsibility as a member of the Federal Executive Council.

While commending the author for the researched work ondigital economy journey, the President recommended the book to researchers, scholars, policy makers and Chief Executive Officers in business and public offices.

The 900-page book on Advancing Nigeria’s Drive Towards a Digital Economy chronicled some of the achievements of Prof. Pantami since he was sworn in as a Minister on the 21st of August 2019. It also discussed some of his areas of impact prior to his appointment as a Minister. The chapters of the book are: Digital Sheikh; Changing the Trajectory at NITDA; Communications and Digital Economy and Running a SMART Ministry.

Other chapters are NCC- Driving the Digital Agenda; The Mobile Digital Economy; Broadband- Driving the Digital Economy; Other Agencies in the Digital Drive; and Policy Statement and Views.