Steve Aya l Tuesday, July 21, 2020
ABUJA, Nigeria – Contrary to the malicious reports in some section of the media that the presidency sidelined the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami on the digital identity of Nigerians to integrate data like the BVN, Driver’s License, International Passports and National Identity Cards, the presidency has come out to clear the air on why the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha is handling the project.
Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari set up a Presidential Committee to oversee the project following the submission of the blueprint on the project by the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami in one of the recent Federal Executive Council meetings.
The blueprint is a product of concerted effort by Pantami after consulting wide and securing the successful working documents and prototypes of leading communications countries like the United States, Britain, Germany, France, Japan, China and Saudi Arabia.
We gathered that upon submission of the blueprint, the project was considered to be a high profile one which will involve about three or four ministries which includes Trade, Interior and Information. Some agencies and parastatals are also part of the project. They include Immigration and Road Safety among others.
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We were informed that it was on account of the scope of the project that FEC decided in its wisdom that it was an inter-ministerial project hence the SGF was appointed to head and effectively coordinate the committee.
But sadly, mischief makers who have been attacking Pantami in recent times and seeking ways to tarnish his image went to press with stories that the Honourable Minister has fallen out of favour in the presidency.
The mischievous reports, painted a picture of a minister who has been sidelined as a result of power play within the cabinet of the President.
But far from it, a top source in the presidency told our correspondent in plain clear language, “This is false. There is no attempt in or by the presidency to undermine the office or personality of the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy. The project is the baby of the ministry and directly concerns his ministry, so how could anyone in his right senses think otherwise or suggests that he was sidelined.
“The project involves other ministries with related roles. So ideally, the SGF is the proper person to coordinate the exercise or project if you like. There is nothing wrong or more than that. The reports you are referring to are just the figments of the imaginations of the reporters or writers or the mediums. It is unfortunate that such mediums allow themselves to used by detractors of this government to publish such falsehood.
“I must add that the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) which is an agency under the Communications and Digital Economy ministry is playing a pivotal role in the whole project. Same for the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) a key parastatal to the ministry”, the source said.
Credit must go to the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Dr Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi whose visionary steps and efforts has ensured that it’s supervising ministry comes out with this excellent blueprint which will make the whole project gainful for Nigerians.
