Pantami calls for military expertise in emerging technologies to tackle insecurity

To ensure victory in the war against terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other crimes, the Nigerian Military has been called upon to equip its officers and men with digital skills and technological know-how in emerging technologies as modern warfare is now fought in cyberspace.

This call was made by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, on Monday while delivering the guest lecture at the graduation ceremony of course 29 National Defence College, Abuja.

The lecture titled “National Security in Nigeria: Emerging Technologies and Prospects for Enhanced Military Operations,” according to Pantami is apt at this point in the nation’s history. The security challenges of modern day call for  technology-based  proactive measures from security agencies in order to beat the tactics of criminals who he described as “tech savvy.”

Pantami noted that the primary purpose of government is the security and welfare of its citizens, and that the present administration takes this role very seriously which is why several initiatives and strategies have been deployed and implemented under the digital economy sector to assist  security agencies and enhance the integrity of the cyberspace.

“The revised policy on SIM card registration and NIN/SIM linkage is one of the most effective methods of curbing criminal activities as it restricts access to unlimited SIM cards and provides valuable and valid information about the individual during the registration process.”

Pantami called on the Military to embrace “emerging technologies and empower its officers with skills in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, Big Data Analytics, Internet of Things (IoT), Blockchain technologies, Augumented and Virtual Reality  and other emerging technologies so as to put our security at par with global trends.”

The Honourable Minister reiterated the commitment of the present administration to ensure the safety of the lives and property of its citizens and emphasised the willingness of the Digital Economy sector to collaborate and partner with the nation’s security agencies in the fight against crime in all and any ramifications.