Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Professor Isa-Ali Pantami, has said Nigeria can tackle its pressing challenges particularly insecurity and unemployment through the effective deployment of technology, strong policies, and reliable power.
Speaking on Monday during launch of a compendium detailing 241 transformative legacy projects and over 700 employment opportunities executed between 2016 as Director-General National Information Technology Development Agency and 2019-2023 as minister from Gombe State.
Pantami stressed that the world is now in the era of the fourth industrial revolution, driven largely by digital technology and artificial intelligence.
The cybersecurity expert said, “This era is all about technology, particularly digital technology and most importantly, artificial intelligence.
“I strongly believe that there is a solution to each and every challenge we have in Nigeria in technology.”
He explained that while in office, he initiated technology-driven projects across the country aimed at empowering youths and strengthening key sectors such as education, security, and the economy.
Pantami noted that the establishment of digital centres has enhanced surveillance and crime detection, citing an example in Gombe where security agencies can monitor activities remotely in real time.
“From that office, you will be able to see whatever is happening without going there physically. It allows you to track criminals and arrest them when necessary,” he said.
On employment, he highlighted the vast opportunities in emerging tech fields, particularly artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
“In cybersecurity alone, we have millions of job opportunities. In artificial intelligence, there are over 87 million new jobs globally. This shows we can address unemployment through technology,” he added.
The former minister said his record in office reflects his commitment to national development, revealing that he executed over 241 projects in Gombe State and contributed to more than 4,600 projects, programmes, and policies nationwide.
“I am not going to the people with empty promises, but with a scorecard. It is time to present what one has done, not make promises,” he stated.
Pantami also emphasised equitable distribution of projects across the federation, noting that no state was marginalised during his tenure.
“Justice must be done to every part of the country. That is exactly what we ensured,” he said.
Reflecting on his time in government, he maintained that he served with integrity and was never indicted for corruption.
“We served for years without being invited or indicted for any corrupt practice. We are grateful to God for that,” he said.
He expressed confidence that technology-driven initiatives by both state and federal governments would continue to support education, security, and economic growth in Nigeria.
One of the beneficiaries, Abubakar Mohammed, said the intervention enabled him to secure an appointment with the Federal University of Kashere.
“I am a lecturer in Educational Foundations. At the moment, I have completed my PhD in Kwara State,” he said.
Another beneficiary, Abubakar Maina, now a staff member of the National Identity Management Commission, commended Pantami for facilitating his employment.
He said, “The testimonies underscore the impact of the projects and employment initiatives carried out during Pantami’s tenure, particularly in empowering youths and strengthening public institutions.”
