FG Rebrands NITDA For Digital Nigeria

BY GLORIA USMAN, ABUJA – The Federal Government on Tuesday said it has rebranded the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to align with the National Digital Policy and Strategy for a Digital Nigeria.

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, who announced this during the launch of the National Information Technology Development Agency NITDA Digital Centre Building and new NITDA logo in Abuja, said digital security is needed to achieve an efficient digital economy in view of the new normal brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Patami said explained that the agency’s logo has to be changed to align with the world’s IT has also changed from ICT to digital economy, adding that the current logo encompasses the change

The centre which is fully equipped to handle emergencies and other concerns is part of the efforts of achieving the focal point of President Muhammadu Buhari which are hinged on security, anti-corruption and economic development.

Dr. Pantami, who commissioned the agency’s newly completed Digital Centre also unveiled NITDA’s new Logo, Core Values, Vision and Mission Statement; Integrated Computer Emergency Response and Readiness Centre; Digital Studio for Virtual learning and Digital Conference for remote collaboration.

According to Him, the Computer Emergency Response and Readiness Centre was in alignment with the key priority area of President Buhari’s administration which is aimed at enhancing the security of the nation.

According to the Minister; “Based on what is happening online, there are many challenges with regards to security but with CERRC teams, we will be able to be the watchdog of the federal government, monitor potential cybercriminals attacks on our country, and come up with policies and strategies to prevent our country from the attacks or at least reduce it to the barest minimum”.

Earlier in his address, the Director General, NITDA, Mr. Kashifu Abdullahi said the new digital centre and integrated computer emergency response and readiness centre was meant to enhance national cyber security, digital multimedia studio for online digital skills, literacy capacity building, and digital conference room for remote collaboration.

He said that NITDA was poised to enhance the digital economy sector as it would check unemployment and poverty in the country.

Kashifu said; “All these initiatives is in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s campaign promises to improve security, diversify economy, and strengthen the fight against corruption.

“This project is in line with the agency’s vision and direction towards facilitating effective service delivery exclusively in line with the nation’s current drive towards a digital economy”.

Speaking in turn, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Professor Garba Danbatta, pledged support and cooperation in repositioning the digital economy sector through dedication and focus.