Former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, has said Nigeria can overcome its major challenges—particularly insecurity and unemployment—by harnessing technology, strong policy frameworks, and reliable power supply.
Pantami made the assertion on Monday during the launch of a compendium highlighting 241 legacy projects and over 700 employment opportunities delivered during his tenure as Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (2016–2019) and later as minister (2019–2023).
‘Technology holds the answers’
Speaking at the event in Gombe State, the cybersecurity expert emphasised that the world is firmly in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, driven by digital innovation and artificial intelligence.
“This era is all about technology, particularly digital technology and, most importantly, artificial intelligence,” Pantami said. “I strongly believe that there is a solution to each and every challenge we have in Nigeria in technology.”
Security, jobs through innovation
Pantami highlighted the role of digital infrastructure in strengthening national security, noting that technology-enabled surveillance systems can enhance crime detection and response.
He cited an example in Gombe where security agencies can monitor activities remotely in real time, track criminal movements, and improve law enforcement efficiency.
On job creation, he pointed to the vast opportunities in emerging tech fields, especially cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
“In cybersecurity alone, there are millions of job opportunities. In AI, over 87 million jobs are expected globally. This shows we can address unemployment through technology,” he said.
Scorecard of impact
Pantami said his record in office reflects a commitment to national development, revealing that over 241 projects were executed in Gombe State, alongside more than 4,600 initiatives 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.
He also stressed that projects were equitably distributed across the country, ensuring no region was left behind.
Beneficiaries speak
Some beneficiaries of the programmes shared testimonies of impact. Abubakar Mohammed, now a lecturer at the Federal University of Kashere, credited the initiative for supporting his academic career, while Abubakar Maina, an employee of the National Identity Management Commission, said the intervention helped secure his job.
Pantami further maintained that his time in public service was marked by transparency and integrity, noting that he was never indicted for corruption.
Looking ahead
The former minister expressed optimism that continued investment in technology-driven initiatives by both federal and state governments would accelerate progress in education, security, and economic growth.
Analysts say his remarks reinforce growing calls for Nigeria to prioritise digital transformation as a pathway to sustainable development in an increasingly tech-driven global economy.
