Pantami commissions Kaduna NCC’s Emergency Communication Centre, Five other IT Projects
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Pantami commissions Kaduna NCC’s Emergency Communication Centre, Five other IT Projects
By Tony Nwakaegho
The Kaduna Emergency Communication Centre (ECC) built by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), as well as five Information Technology projects by other agencies under the Ministry Communications and Digital Economy have been commissioned by the minister, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami.
The NCC’s ECC project, which will enable the people of Kaduna and environs to dial 112 emergency number to get help during emergencies from appropriate emergency response agencies, is aimed at supporting the Federal Government agenda of enhancing security of lives and property in the country.
NCC had built ECC in each of the 36 states of the federation and the FCT. Nineteen of the ECC have been activated while efforts are ongoing to extend it to other states.
The Minister also commissioned the Tertiary Institution Knowledge Centre (TIKC) in Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo executed by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) of NCC.
Three other projects by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), IT Community Centre in Katsina and IT Hub each in Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria Main Campus, Kaduna and University of Lagos, were also commissioned.
The sixth project commissioned was the opening of Nigeria Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT)’s Northwest Regional Office in Kaduna.
Speaking during the virtual commissioning of the projects, which took place at the NCC’s Communications and Digital Economy Complex, Mbora District, Abuja and attended by all heads of agencies under the ministry, Pantami said the projects were all connected to the country’s digital economy drive, as contained in the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) unveiled by the President in November last year.
According to the minister, “these projects are connected to some of the pillars of the NDEPS, especially with respect to developmental regulation, digital literacy and skills, solid infrastructure, among others” and tasked Nigerians, who are the ultimate beneficiaries of the projects, to take advantage of the opportunities.
Pantami assured that he would continue to work with other ministries, departments and parastatals of government to ensure teething challenges facing ICT infrastructure deployment in the country are addressed in other to deepen digital economy.
The Governor of Borno State and Chairman of the occasion, Babagana Zulum; as well as Hon. Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Shamsuna and the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola who were guests of honour applauded the ministry and its agencies for expanding the footprint of digital economy across the country.
The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, and other heads of agencies under the Ministry also commended the Minister for promoting synergy among the agencies under his supervision.
Danbatta said that the projects will help in leading the country into a truly-digital economy.
He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to ensure a robust broadband infrastructure in the country, to support government’s initiatives aimed at accelerating the implementation of National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy.
ATCON tasks members to follow Nigeria data protection regulation
By Tony Nwakaegho
President of ATCON, Mr. Olusola Teniola.(picture)
The Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria, ATCON, has called on its members to comply with Nigeria Data Protection Regulation as stipulated by the federal government through the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
President of ATCON, Mr. Olusola Teniola, made this call at a virtual meeting on Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019: with the theme ‘Benefits and Compliance Process’.
Teniola stated that the aim of the virtual meeting was to create awareness and encourage its members to implement the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation.
He urged members to ensure that they did not running against the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019.
“ATCON partners with this company in order to prevent our members from running against the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019.
“As we all know the Regulation aims at protecting and guarantying the safety of all users of web from the unscrupulous people who use their knowledge to defraud and cheat people who are genuinely transacting business over different websites (public and private).
“It should also be emphasized that data is now the new gold and it must be treated accordingly, ATCON embarked on the awareness and implementation of the data protection regulation because of its strategic importance to our members businesses and to reduce or prevent cybercrimes by ensuring the safety and protection of Nigerians digital details on the world wide web as the failure to give adequate protection to data could be very devastating and costly to individuals and businesses.”
The President of ATCON also extolled Mr Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi, Director General/CEO, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) for putting the document together for the benefits of Nigerians who have moved their physical transactions online.
ECOWAS orders Nigeria to repeal, amend 2015 cybercrime Act
By Tony Nwakaegho
The ECOWAS Court of Justice has ordered the Federal Republic of Nigeria to repeal or amend its law on cybercrime to align with its obligation under Article 1 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Delivering judgment last Friday, 10th July 2020 in a suit filed by a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) challenging the law, the judge rapporteur for the case, Honourable Justice Januaria T.S. Moreira Costa, held the Nigerian government liable for the violation of the right to freedom of expression by the adoption of Section 24 of its 2015 Cybercrime Act.
The Court however dismissed, for lack of evidence, other claims for the violation of right to freedom of expression sought by the plaintiff, The Incorporated Trustees of Laws and Rights Awareness Initiative
In the initiating application ECW/CCJ/APP/53/18 filed before the Court on 6 November 2018, the plaintiff through its counsel Mr Chukwudi Ajaegbo, claimed among others, that their members’ freedom of expression on the internet or in the use of computer devices was limited/breached by Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act of the Defendant State.
The plaintiff further claimed that nine of its collaborators were arrested and detained in connection with the enforcement of the provision of Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act in violation of Articles 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and 39 of the Nigeria’s Constitution.
The plaintiff argued that Section 24 contained vague concepts that allowed for arbitrary interpretation and application, and that the restrictions it imposes were not reasonably justifiable as they did not pursue legitimate objectives, necessary nor proportional.
On their part, the defendant submitted that Section 24 of its Cybercrime (Prohibition and Prevention) Act 2015 was adopted as a legislative measure to give effect to freedom of expression as provided in Article 9(2) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and was in accordance with provisions of Section 39(3) of the country’s 1999 Constitution.
Each party was ordered to bear its own costs.
On the panel with Justice Costa were Honourable Justices Dupe Atoki (presiding) and Keikura Bangura.
MTN Nigeria set to run limited trial of e-SIM technology
By Tony Nwakaegho
CEO, MTN Nigeria, Ferdi Moolman (PICTURE)
MTN Nigeria Plc has declared the trial of e-SIM services on their network based on approvals received from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC).
This is in the telco’s continuous drive to lead digital transformation, foster inclusion, improve customer experience and maintain the highest quality of service for its customers,
The next step in the evolution of Subscriber Identity Modules (SIM cards), e-SIMs are designed to deliver unprecedented freedom and flexibility. Unlike the physical SIMs, e-SIMs are built into smartphones, devices and wearables.
They support multiple profiles and allow customers to connect multiple numbers to their e-SIM devices.
Notwithstanding the sophistication of e-SIMs, the onboarding requirements are the same as are required for a physical SIM.
Hence, SIM registration in line with existing regulatory prescriptions remains a requirement for activating a device embedded with an e-SIM.
e-SIMs are particularly useful for people who want to manage personal and business lines easily and effectively or want a separate profile for data.
The new technology will also be extremely convenient for frequent travelers and tourists, making it easier for them to opt for and keep a local subscription when visiting Nigeria.
The trial which has kicked-off will run for one year and is open on a first come first served basis to a limited number of subscribers who own compatible devices.
The Chief Operating Officer, MTN Nigeria, Mazen Mroue, said the company was eager to get through the trial process so that the technology can be deployed for the benefit of every Nigerian.
“We are in a fast-paced digital age with new technological advancements driving the constantly changing landscape. Against this backdrop, customers depend on us to provide high quality, reliable and easy-to-use connectivity solutions.
“With the introduction of the e-SIM, we will offer customers a seamless and distinctive digital experience with new levels of flexibility, simplicity and convenience. This is a further demonstration of our firm commitment to delivering the benefits of a bold new digital world to our customers; and we will continue seeking new ways to provide solutions that address old and new challenges, making life a little easier and brighter,” Mroue added.
MTN is spearheading e-SIM adoption in Nigeria as part of efforts to enable the digital economy. For all MTN mobile subscribers who own e-SIM compatible devices, setting up an e-SIM profile with a new or existing mobile plan is quick and easy.
All it takes is a visit to an MTN service centre where frontline staff will help in registration and onboarding at no cost. Soon, e-SIM users will also be able to link multiple compatible devices and smart wearables such as tablets, smartwatches etc. to their profile.
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Experts cite fundamental flaws in IP, others for cyberattacks
By Tony Nwakaegho
Co-Founder, Digital Encode, Dr. Adewale Obadare (PICTURE)
The co-founder, Digital Encode, Dr. Adewale Obadare, has ascribed activities of cyber-criminals on the super-highway to fundamental flaws in the internet protocol, (IP).
Obadare, who spoke on the calamities and tragedy that came with Covid-19, disclosed that the internet is structured in a Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet protocol (TCP/IP) which is the protocol that is powering the internet.
“Unfortunately that protocol is not designed for security because internet was designed for communications but now we are using internet for a lot of things including sensitive transactions. But because of the fundamental problem of lack of security which is an afterthought for internet, cyber criminals who are aware of this basic flaw of internet are exploring that vulnerability that exists to attack.”
Obadare said: “What we need to understand is that with the emergence of Covid-19 pandemic, there is massive usage of internet technology. A lot of people that were not using the internet before started using it. This means that there is an increase in the usage of internet activities and so everything has become electronic.
“Looking at the dangers, we have to look at it from three perspectives namely; personal security which has to do with the end user, business security and national security.
“As a result of lockdown, a lot of individuals are working from home so there was a shift in focus for hackers to end users because they are not security conscious and their devices are vulnerable.
“From statistics there were more attacks on individual devices and government infrastructure than corporate devices during Covid-19”.
He pointed out that any device can be digitally evaded if there are issues with four factors which include architecture, design, implementation and operation.
“Most of the times there is always issues with any of these four factors. It is either your architecture is bad or you have issue with your design or you have issue with the way you have implemented your technology or how you operate the device, which build inherent vulnerability within our systems and hackers take advantage of issues like these and brake into systems and cause havoc”.
On his part, Dr Kenneth Geers, senior fellow of the Atlantic Council and a NATO Cyber Centre ambassador, opined that organisations and critical infrastructure across the world are set to experience an increasing number of cyber- attacks, perpetrated by well-funded rogue nation states and attackers looking to disrupt operations, make money or commit industrial espionage.
According to Geers, the Coronavirus pandemic is providing cyber spies and criminals with new opportunities to gain a foothold on target computer networks via phishing and other forms of social engineering.
“We must do a better job of educating our employees and citizens about the dynamics and dangers of social engineering.
Samsung prepares for 6G technology as conspiracy theory yet to settle on 5G
By Tony Nwakaegho
As companies are working towards building the infrastructure for as well as commercial launch of 5G technology, Samsung Research has released a paper disclosing its plan for 6G technology in a few years’ time.
In Nigeria like in many other countries around the world, conspiracy theories about 5G are yet to abate.
5G is the 5th generation mobile network. It is a new global wireless standard after 1G, 2G, 3G, and 4G networks. 5G enables a new kind of network that is designed to connect virtually everyone and everything together including machines, objects, and devices.
But as the coronavirus pandemic tightened its grip on a world which struggled to comprehend the enormity of the situation it was facing, darker forces were concocting their own narratives about 5G.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has come out to say that decades of research, has found no significant health risks from low-level electromagnetic fields, including 5G.
Not deterred by the cold and confusing welcome of 5G, Samsung said 6G is coming by 2028 with many breakthrough advantages.
In its paper, Samsung said that if the general trend that the communication systems and their new services follow, it could be reasonably expected that 6G technology would satisfy the requirements and expectations that 5G fails to meet.
Samsung further said in the paper that it expects 6G to provide an ultimate experience for everybody through hyper-connectivity, which would involve “humans and everything”.
The paper stated that the applications which make use of wireless technology have expanded from connecting humans to connecting various things, with wireless communication now becoming an integral part of the social infrastructure as well as the daily lives of people.
Moreover, the paper states that the exponential growth that advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation and robotics have undergone would lead to major shifts in the wireless technology segment.
It then listed four megatrends which would lead to 6G – connected machines, AI for wireless communication, openness of mobile communications and increased contribution towards achieving social goals.
The new 6G services likely to emerge
The paper also discussed that while enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), ultra-reliable and low latency communications (URLLC), and massive machine-type communications (mMTC) would continue to improve as the technology moves towards 6G, new services would also emerge due to the advancement in technologies.
The services would provide the ultimate media experience and would involve hyper-connectivity of humans and everything. These new services that Samsung expects to crop up with 6G are:
Timeline for deployment of 6G
Samsung Research has, in its paper, given a tentative timeline by when the 6G technology would be deployed, based on the previous trends.
The paper said that the multiple generations of mobile communication systems from 2G to 5G have evolved approximately every 10 years.
However, the time spent on defining the vision and the development of the technical standards reduced from 15 years for 3G to 8 years for 5G, the paper added, saying that this reduction could be due to the fast-paced improvement in technology and growing market needs for mobile communications.
With this, the paper believes that the work on the definition of vision and development of technical standards can begin next year, while it expects the completion of 6G standard and earliest commercialisation to happen by 2028. It also expects a massive commercialization to occur around 2030.
In its concluding statement, Samsung Research said that while it is important to make sure that 5G achieves commercial success, it believed that this was the correct time to start preparing for the 6G mobile communications system.
Buhari sets up committee to create digital ID for Nigerians
By Tony Nwakaegho
Secretary to Govt of the Federation, Boss Mustapha. (PICTURE)
President Muhammed Buhari has sets up committee to create digital identity (ID) for all Nigerians, to integrate data like Bank Verification Number (BVN), Driver’s License, passports and National Identity Management Number.
The committee will be chaired by Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha.
Dr. Joe Abah, a member of the committee, confirmed the development on his Twitter handle, adding that the committee would seek to integrate other data held by the government including BVN, Driver’s License, passports and the National Identity Management Number.
The government announced last month its push for the creation of a digital identity for development ecosystem. The aim of the project is to facilitate the development and implementation of a digital identity in Nigeria.
Boss Mustapha stated that the project, which was earlier approved by the FEC in 2018, is a compounding effort of collective works by government institutions and stakeholders since 2015, as Nigeria seeks to find a cost effective way to digital identity management.
Mustapha revealed that the government merged a “three tier institutional arrangement” made up of a strategic unit, a steering committee, and a unit for implementation in the National Identity management Commission (NIMC), which will provide coordination and governance, working with stakeholders to implement a digital identification strategy.
The Digital identification drive will facilitate identity management in Nigeria and provide the government with data on Nigerians which would have been needed during the drive for palliatives for poor Nigerians during the pandemic and other areas of governance regarding data.
ITU introduces new global guidelines to protect kids online
By Tony Nwakaegho
ITU secretary-general Houlin Zhao (PICTURE)
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) has unveiled its 2020 guidelines on Child Online Protection (COP), aimed at ensuring a safe and empowering online environment for children and young people.
The ITU disclosed that while the Internet and related digital technologies opened new ways for children to communicate, learn and play, they also exposed them to a range of content, contact and harmful conduct online.
The guidelines come as the world grapples with COVID-19, which has seen technology being placed at the centre of managing the spread of the virus, further exposing children and young people online.
According to the ITU, the new guidelines were designed from the ground up to reflect the significant shifts in the digital landscape in which children find themselves, such as the Internet of things, connected toys, online gaming, robotics, machine learning and artificial intelligence.
The guidelines consist of four parts tailored to key audiences: children, parents and educators, industry and policymakers.
The guidelines for children are available in a child-friendly format and consist of a story book for children under nine, a workbook for children aged nine to 11, and a social media campaign and microsite for children and young people aged 12 to 18.
“These resources help children learn how to manage risks online, while at the same time empowering them to exercise their rights online and engage in opportunities the Internet presents to them,” the ITU stated.
The guidelines for parents and educators serve as a practical tool to help them effectively support children and young people’s interaction online, to sensitise families to the potential risks and threats, and help cultivate a healthy and empowering online environment at home and in the classroom.
The guidelines for industry aim at supporting industry players in the development of their internal COP policies, such as integrating child rights considerations into all appropriate corporate policies and management processes.
The ITU adds the guidelines help in “developing standard processes to handle child sexual abuse material; creating a safer and age-appropriate online environment; educating children, carers and educators about children’s safety and the responsible use of information and communication technologies; and promoting digital technology as a mode for increasing civic engagement”.
Policymakers are also included in the guidelines, as the ITU noted that they serve as a solid foundation on which to develop inclusive, multi-stakeholder national strategies, through open consultations and dialogues with children, to develop better-targeted measures and more efficient actions.
“ITU and its partners sought to create a highly usable, flexible and adaptable framework firmly based on international standards and shared goals, particularly the convention on the Rights of the Child and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals,” the guideline said.
Commenting on the COP, ITU secretary-general Houlin Zhao says: “The question of how to ensure children’s online safety in the age of COVID-19 is now more pressing than ever before. ITU’s new guidelines on Child Online Protection are a very timely tool to safeguard the well-being, integrity and safety of our children, our most precious gift.”
Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, said: “The new COP guidelines are designed to serve as a blueprint that can be adapted and used by different countries and stakeholders in a way that is consistent with national and local customs and laws.
“They can be considered as an initial step in engaging all relevant stakeholders – governments, the private sector, parents and teachers’ associations, and children themselves – in discussions around targeted measures and actions to create a safer online environment.”
CAPTIONS FOR PICTURES
1.L-R: Director-General, NITDA, Kashifu Abdullahi; Executive Vice Chairman of NCC Prof. Umar Danbatta; Hon. Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami; Governor of Borno State Babagana Zulum, Hon. Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning Zainab Shamsuna; Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola, and Managing Director, NIGCOMSAT, Abimbola Alale, during the virtual commissioning of the six IT projects.
The Kaduna Emergency Communication Centre (ECC) built by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), as well as five Information Technology projects by other agencies under the Ministry Communications and Digital Economy have been commissioned by the minister, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami.
The NCC’s ECC project, which will enable the people of Kaduna and environs to dial 112 emergency number to get help during emergencies from appropriate emergency response agencies, is aimed at supporting the Federal Government agenda of enhancing security of lives and property in the country.
NCC had built ECC in each of the 36 states of the federation and the FCT. Nineteen of the ECC have been activated while efforts are ongoing to extend it to other states.
The Minister also commissioned the Tertiary Institution Knowledge Centre (TIKC) in Enugu State Polytechnic, Iwollo executed by the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) of NCC.
Three other projects by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), IT Community Centre in Katsina and IT Hub each in Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria Main Campus, Kaduna and University of Lagos, were also commissioned.
The sixth project commissioned was the opening of Nigeria Communication Satellite (NIGCOMSAT)’s Northwest Regional Office in Kaduna.
Speaking during the virtual commissioning of the projects, which took place at the NCC’s Communications and Digital Economy Complex, Mbora District, Abuja and attended by all heads of agencies under the ministry, Pantami said the projects were all connected to the country’s digital economy drive, as contained in the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) unveiled by the President in November last year.
According to the minister, “these projects are connected to some of the pillars of the NDEPS, especially with respect to developmental regulation, digital literacy and skills, solid infrastructure, among others” and tasked Nigerians, who are the ultimate beneficiaries of the projects, to take advantage of the opportunities.
Pantami assured that he would continue to work with other ministries, departments and parastatals of government to ensure teething challenges facing ICT infrastructure deployment in the country are addressed in other to deepen digital economy.
The Governor of Borno State and Chairman of the occasion, Babagana Zulum; as well as Hon. Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Shamsuna and the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola who were guests of honour applauded the ministry and its agencies for expanding the footprint of digital economy across the country.
The Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, and other heads of agencies under the Ministry also commended the Minister for promoting synergy among the agencies under his supervision.
Danbatta said that the projects will help in leading the country into a truly-digital economy.
He reiterated the Commission’s commitment to ensure a robust broadband infrastructure in the country, to support government’s initiatives aimed at accelerating the implementation of National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy.
