The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami has said that for insecurity to be tackled there is a need to utilise digital technologies that leverage data.
The Minister said there is the need to explore new ways to tackle insecurity through the effective use of data and digital technologies is crucial.
Professor Pantami who was represented by the Director-General of National Information Technology Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kachifu Abdullahi said this at the maiden Annual Conference of National Information Technology Reporters Association of Nigeria (NITRA), Abuja Chapter
The Minister said some of the technologies that can be deployed to ensure security include “autonomous drones that cut back on human involvement in these often-dangerous situations also help cut costs while bolstering safety at the same time.
“Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to interpret satellite images, experts have long been able to tap into satellite images to help their preventative and response efforts. Now, with the availability and quality of these images increasing, they offer an even more valuable resource for security.
“Similarly, the AI video surveillance of today eliminates the need for humans to spend hours staring at screens. Instead, connected sensors, network storage, and AI-enabled systems can keep an autonomous, high-definition eye on things 24-7”.
Furthermore, the Minister said integrating digital technology and emergency management presents significant opportunities for innovation to tackle insecurity.
He said that most technologies today are increasingly mobile, highly integrated, and inherently flexible.
“From social networking sites to geospatial imaging, society today can take advantage of emerging tools to address critical security needs.
“Also, another opportunity for utilising data is through social networking platforms, members of the society who are constantly connected to the Web and actively creating and sharing content in their own time.
“The security agencies can check familiar social networking platforms for information and share news and strategies for community security.
“It is quite clear that digital technology has a great role to play in national security in Nigeria. The growing importance of technology presents new opportunities to benefit society and brings challenges to the approach and methodology of securing that society from insecurities”, he added.
The Director-General of NITDA, Mallam Abdullahi advised Nigerians not to put out their personal information carelessly on Communication platforms.
Abdullahi who was represented by Engr. Ahmed Yahuza said such information could also lead criminals to them physically if they see them as suitable targets.
“Do not put out your personal information carelessly on communication platforms. E.g. phone numbers, bank account details, national identity numbers, addresses etc. they could aid cybercriminals in stealing your identity and having access to your finances or carrying out fraudulent acts in your name. This sort of information could also lead criminals to you physically if they deem you a suitable target.
“Although digital communication devices or platforms are not without inherent issues, they have come to stay. Hence, it is duty-bound on us the users to take advantage of its benefits and also utilise them such that you prevent and minimise self-exposure to its risks and their adverse effects.
“Parents, guardians, and teachers should also have clear conversations with children about secure usage of digital communications and the implications of misuse”, he said.
Also speaking, the Managing Director, Galaxy Backbone, Professor Muhammad Bello said, the theme of the Conference: “Digitisation as an Enabler in Tackling Insecurity in Nigeria” could not have come better than now especially with the prevalence of Insecurity in Nigeria and across the world.
Represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Accounts, Galaxy Backbone, Adamu Umar, the MD said, the application of the traditional formulas have not yielded the required results, therefore, there was a need to use ICT or digitisation tools to tackle the menace of insecurity in the country.
In his Welcome Address, the President, NITRA, Abuja Chapter, Mr Blessing Olaifa said, the conference’s theme was chosen as a way of drawing the attention of state actors to digital platforms that can be leveraged to nip in the bud incidences of banditry, armed robbery, kidnapping, terrorism, cattle rustling and other criminal acts pervading the country.
Mr Olaifa commended the leadership rule of the Minister in initiating policies and programmes that are gradually changing the narrative.
“The NCC, NITDA, NIMC, NIPOST, Galaxy backbone and NICOMSAT have in no small measure changed the narratives in solving our security problems by opening up different platforms to restore peace to the country.
“Should the current efforts be sustained, Nigeria would certainly reap the results of peace and tranquillity in the nearest future”, he added.
He assures that NITRA, Abuja chapter would continue to identify with the initiatives and support the digitalization agenda of the Federal Government for the benefit of our country.
