Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, has said Nigeria’s major challenges, including insecurity and unemployment, can be effectively addressed through the deployment of technology, strong policy frameworks, and stable electricity supply.
Pantami made the remark on Monday during the launch of a compendium highlighting 241 transformative legacy projects and over 700 employment opportunities executed between 2016, when he served as Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), and his ministerial tenure from 2019 to 2023.
He noted that the world is currently in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, driven by digital technology and artificial intelligence, adding that Nigeria must fully embrace innovation to remain competitive.
“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 said.
The cybersecurity expert explained that several technology-driven initiatives introduced during his time in office were designed to empower young people and strengthen key sectors such as education, security, and the economy.
He also pointed to the establishment of digital centres across the country, saying they have improved surveillance and crime detection capabilities.
“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 added.
Pantami further highlighted job creation potential in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, noting that millions of opportunities exist globally.
“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 said.
He stated that his record in office includes over 241 projects in Gombe State and contributions to more than 4,600 projects, programmes, and policies nationwide, describing his presentation as a “scorecard” rather than political promises.
“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 said.
Pantami also maintained that projects were equitably distributed across the country during his tenure, insisting that no state was marginalised.
“Justice must be done to every part of the country. That is exactly what we ensured,” he added.
He further said he served without being indicted for corruption, expressing gratitude for what he described as a record of integrity in public service.
“We served for years without being invited or indicted for any corrupt practice. We are grateful to God for that,” he stated.
Beneficiaries at the event also shared testimonies, including Abubakar Mohammed, who said the intervention helped him secure an appointment at the Federal University of Kashere, and Abubakar Maina, now a staff member of the National Identity Management Commission.
Their accounts, according to them, reflect the impact of Pantami’s digital inclusion and employment initiatives in empowering young Nigerians and strengthening public institutions.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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