Infotech
Danbatta to receive National Productivity Order of Merit Award for outstanding contributions to industry
Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), will be conferred with the esteemed National Productivity Order of Merit (NPOM) Award, among other notable Nigerians.
The announcement was made in an advertorial signed by the Director General of the National Productivity Center, Dr. Nasir Olaitan Raji-Mustapha, heralding Danbatta’s exceptional achievements and significant contributions to the development and advancement of the Nigerian telecommunications industry.
The NPOM Award recognises individuals, who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, innovation, and dedication in their respective fields, and Danbatta’s recognition highlights his outstanding contributions to the NCC and the telecommunications sector as a whole.
During his tenure at the NCC, Danbatta has spearheaded several initiatives that have revolutionized the telecommunications landscape in Nigeria. His visionary leadership and strategic decisions have led to remarkable achievements and noteworthy milestones for the industry.
Some of the key accomplishments attributed to Danbatta’s tenure include the promotion of broadband penetration, consumer empowerment and protection, sustainable industry growth, and digital inclusion and innovation, among others.
Under the promotion of broadband penetration, Danbatta’s relentless efforts to enhance broadband connectivity across Nigeria have resulted in substantial improvements in internet access and affordability. This has played a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide and fostering economic growth.
In the area of consumer empowerment and protection, Danbatta has prioritized the interests and rights of telecom consumers, implementing consumer-centric policies and initiatives. Notably, the NCC’s Toll-Free Line for Consumer Complaints, introduced under his leadership, has provided an accessible platform for addressing consumer grievances and ensuring their protection.
With respect to sustainable industry growth, under Prof Danbatta’s guidance, the telecommunications sector has witnessed significant investments and healthy competition. His strategic leadership has fueled innovation, resulting in sustainable industry growth and a positive impact on Nigeria’s economy.
Also, recognizing the transformative power of digital technology, Danbatta has championed programmess to promote digital inclusion and empower marginalized communities in his efforts to deepen digital inclusion and innovation.
Initiatives such as the NCC’s Digital Nigeria Centre (DNC), formerly known as the School Knowledge Centers (SKCs) and Emergency Communication Centers (ECCs) have improved access to digital resources and enhanced emergency response capabilities across the nation.
The conferment of the 2023 NPOM Award on Danbatta serves as a testament to his remarkable achievements and exceptional leadership within the NCC. His contributions have not only positioned Nigeria as a key player in the global digital landscape but have also positively impacted the lives of millions of Nigerians.
The NPOM Award is a prestigious recognition that celebrates individuals, who have made significant contributions to productivity, innovation, and national development. Danbatta’s well-deserved recognition further solidifies his reputation as a transformative leader and industry trailblazer.
The entire telecommunications industry and the nation, at large, celebrate Danbatta’s achievements and extend their heartfelt congratulations on the conferment of the 2023 NPOM Award.
His exemplary leadership and contributions serve as an inspiration to future generations and reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to technological progress and national productivity.
By Afolabi Ifeoluwa
In a strategic move to elevate digital literacy to 70 percent by 2025, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is collaborating with Afre.lib Academy.
During a visit by Afre.lib representatives, led by Executive Director of Operations Mrs. Joice Gomina, at NITDA’s Corporate Headquarters in Abuja, Director General Kashifu Inuwa CCIE outlined the Agency’s innovative strategies and commitment to digital education.
The collaboration aims to co-host Afre.lib Academy’s bootcamps in August, the 2024 Tech and Career Expo in September themed “Tech for Earth,” and provide support for Tech Challenge Winners. Inuwa emphasised three focal areas for digital literacy: revamping formal education curricula with digital skills, developing an Edtech platform for informal learning accessible in local languages, and enhancing digital competence among the workforce.
Inuwa assured the Academy of NITDA’s support, highlighting the shared vision of fostering IT development. Plans include establishing Innovation Hubs in each state and creating tech clubs in schools. Mrs. Gomina highlighted the Academy’s efforts to address the digital divide between students and teachers and to promote responsible use of technology.
The Academy demonstrated prototypes developed by children from their training programs, showcasing the potential of their initiatives.
By Blessing Emmanuel, Abuja
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has firmly denounced recent allegations regarding the compromise of sensitive data of Nigerian citizens. In a statement released today, the Commission reassured the public that the data of Nigerians has not been compromised and that it has not authorised any website or entity to sell or misuse the National Identification Number (NIN) or any other identity information.
NIMC identified several unauthorised websites—idfinder.com.ng, Verify.ng/signin, championtech.com.ng, trustyonline.com, and anyverify.com—as data harvesters operating without its approval. The Commission urged Nigerians to disregard any claims or services offered by these sites, warning that they are potentially fraudulent. Data provided to these websites by the public is likely being gathered and stored illegally.
The Commission highlighted that it has implemented robust measures to protect the nation’s database from cyber threats. NIMC’s infrastructure meets the stringent ISO 27001:2013 Information Security Management System Standard and undergoes annual recertification. The Commission also adheres strictly to the Nigerian Data Protection Law to ensure the security and privacy of citizens’ data.
NIMC through its Head, Corporate Communications, Kayode Adegoke advised Nigerians to avoid giving their data to unauthorised and phishing sites, as doing so poses significant risks of data harvesting and individual data compromise. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to upholding ethical standards in data protection in line with federal government directives and data privacy regulations. Additionally, licensed partners or vendors are not authorised to scan or store NIN slips but are instead directed to verify NINs through approved channels.
The Commission is actively collaborating with security operatives to apprehend those masquerading as online vendors and will ensure they face the full extent of the law.
NIMC called on the public to remain vigilant against false information and rely on verified sources for accurate updates. The Commission remains dedicated to providing secure and reliable identity management, maintaining the highest level of security for its systems and databases, which are considered critical national assets.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) says 100 per cent of the SIM cards used in the country are manufactured locally.
Engr. Babagana Digima, the Head, New Media and Information Security, NCC, said this at a training for media executives in Lagos.
The two-day training had the title: “Upskilling Media Stakeholders on Trends in Telecommunications.”
Digima attributed the feat to the commission’s commitment in encouraging local content and indigenous participation in the industry through the Nigeria Office for Development in Indigenous Telecommunications Sector (NORDIT).
“The NCC by Section 1D to F of our Act has spelt out our function to encourage indigenous participation of telecom companies as well as the national policy for promotion of indigenous content in the Telecommuncations Sector which established NORDIT.
“Indigenous participation is one of the key areas NORDIT has played a major role.
“Previously, in the last two years, almost 99 per cent to 100 per cent of SIM cards in Nigeria were imported.
“And when NORDIT came, we made it one of our key low-hanging fruits that in five months to six months manufacture of SIM cards will be indigenous.
“We directed all the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) to source their SIM cards locally, and in fact, as at now 100 per cent of all the SIM cards used in Nigeria are manufactured locally, no importation,” Digima said.
Digima, the former Head of NORDIT, noted that the commission through NORDIT engage in advocacy work to encourage indigenous participation of companies and people in all aspects of telecoms.
He said that NORDIT had also provided grants and incentives to some companies to ensure the development of the industry.
“For now, we are currently sponsoring the manufacture of Corrugated Ordinal Duct, and the company that will be established will be the first in the whole of Africa to manufacture such kind of product.
“We also encourage tower manufacture, fibre manufacture and have been in touch with Coleman Cables, which are currently manufacturing fibre cables.
“They have even overtaken the only company in Egypt in manufacturing capacity and they are expanding.
“I am sure a lot of companies are very happy with what we have done,” he said.
Also speaking, the Executive Vice-Chairman, NCC, Dr Aminu Maida, said the initiative to upskill senior media executives was borne out of the need to bridge the gap between the commission and how it was understood by its publics.
Maida, who was represented by Engr. Abraham Oshadami, the Executive Commissioner, Technical Services, NCC, said the commission needed to develop a mechanism that would enable the consumers and stakeholders understand how things work in the industry.
“These have led to the birth of this beautiful initiative. If our industry must succeed, there must be proper enlightenment and education.
“So, your physical role cannot be overemphasised and that is why these are carefully selected executives from across all platforms including print, broadcast, and the online media.
“It is to enable you understand the commission and to see the operational interventions that the commission has engaged in over the time, as well as challenges we are having.
“This will enable us to work together to shape the landscape and also to help consumers understand what is really happening,” he said.
He added that the aim of the training was to develop a reliable database of core partners within the geography of media systems and to cultivate a strategic relationship with media stakeholders.
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