Technology - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Philip Daniel Yatai
Nov, Wed, 2024

Metro

ASIS International lauds Wike’s commitment to addressing insecurity in FCT

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By Philip Yatai

The world’s largest association for security professionals, ASIS International, has commended the commitment of Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in addressing insecurity in the territory.

The Chairman of the Abuja Branch 273, Mr Edward Orim, gave the commendation during the association’s 2024 Annual General Meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

Orim, who was re-elected to serve for another year, said that Nigeria has the capacity to adopt the use of technology to strengthen the fight against insecurity.

He, however, added that the absence of political will was a serious challenge to deepening the use of technology to tackle insecurity across the country.

He said that Wike, on the other hand, had in the last one year demonstrated the capacity and the political will to address insecurity and make FCT a great and secured capital city for all.

He said that the minister’s support to security agencies, particularly operational vehicles fitted with latest technology equipment, was a game changer in the fight against insecurity in FCT.

“The FCT Minister is providing the needed support, including technological equipment to strengthen the fight against insecurity with a view to keeping residents of FCT safe,” he said.

He added that Mr Adamu Gwary, Director, FCT Administration’s Security Services Department, was presented with a Certificate of Excellence, in recognition of his support and contributions to the growth of ASIS International in Abuja.

The chairman said that the association would be looking forward to a stronger partnership with the FCTA to improve security in the nation’s capital.

He said that the association has made significant strides in Nigeria’s security sector through impactful initiatives and strategic outreach in 2024.

“The chapter also advanced professional development through its Women in Security webinar, which strengthened engagement among security professionals.

“In line with ASIS International commitment to humanitarian efforts and gender inclusion, Women in Security provided aid to flood victims in Borno State and championed career growth for women on the International Day of the Girl Child.

“For the next one year, we will be looking forward to deepening the use of technology in addressing insecurity, through collaboration and partnership with critical stakeholders,” he said.

Responding, Gwary thanked the association for the recognition, adding that the FCTA was open to more collaboration to strengthen the FCT’s security framework.

Gwari, who was represented by Dr Peter Olumuji, Secretary, FCTA’s Command and Control Centre, noted that in a global community, security was everybody’s responsibility.

“We are happy that ASIS is contributing to addressing insecurity in the FCT.

“The FCT minister has established a robust and standard Command and Control Centre in the territory to respond effectively to security threats.

“The control system will be equipped with the latest and necessary technology to fight insecurity,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that also elected was Mr Jacob Akinola as Vice Chairman, Amos Itodo as Secretary and Ms Jane Wilson as Treasurer. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Philip Daniel Yatai
Nov, Wed, 2024

Defence/Security

U.S. Embassy urges FG to harness technology to strengthen Nigeria’s security

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By Philip Yatai

The United States Embassy, Abuja, has urged the Federal Government to harness the power of technology to strengthen its security framework and build a safer, more resilient Nigeria.

Mr Bradley Markwald, the embassy’s Senior Regional Security Officer, gave the advice at the 2024 Annual General Meeting of ASIS International, Chapter 273, in Abuja, on Tuesday.

The security expert spoke on the topic, “Leveraging Technology for Enhancing National Security in Nigeria.”

Markwald noted that with Nigeria’s vast population, rich resources, and extensive geographic expanse, safeguarding national security presents both complex challenges and unique opportunities.

He described advancing surveillance and monitoring as “critical transformative ways” which technologies could serve Nigeria’s national security goals.

“By incorporating satellite-based imagery from platforms like the NigeriaSat-X and the European Space Agency’s Copernicus programme, we can monitor vast swathes of land, borders, and critical infrastructure in real time.

“Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), equipped with thermal imaging and Al-powered tracking software, can be deployed for surveillance in remote areas, providing intelligence on movements and activities of potential security threats.

“The integration of sensor networks along Nigeria’s borders, highways, and ports could offer a proactive approach to security by detecting unusual activity such as unauthorized vehicle movements or crossing of borders in real time,” Markwald said.

He added that technologies like Internet of Things (IoT) sensors could alert authorities to possible incursions or natural disasters that may threaten national security.

These tools, according to him, will not only enhance defensive posture but also help keep Nigerian citizens and businesses safer by enabling timely interventions.

The security expert also called for the modernisation of border control, adding that effective border control was an essential part of Nigeria’s national security strategy and technology could significantly improve this area.

He said that by adopting advanced electronic border systems, Nigeria could enhance the accuracy of border checks and reduce the risks associated with human error.

“Biometric technologies such as facial recognition and fingerprint scanning used in systems like the Advanced Passenger Information Systems (APIS) can quickly verify identities, ensuring that only authorized individuals enter or leave the country.

“Automated Border Control (ABC) gates, already in use in airports around the world, can help streamline this process, making border control both secure and efficient.

“In addition, the use of Smart Border Management Systems, which combine biometric data with real-time tracking of individuals and vehicles at the border, would significantly enhance the ability to manage immigration and trade flows without compromising security,” he said.

Markwald said that the United Arab Emirates had implemented an eGate system that employs facial and fingerprint recognition to streamline immigration while enhancing security.

He added that for Nigeria, adopting cost-effective solutions like Suprema ID’s BioMini Slim 3 fingerprint scanners could make a significant difference.

“These portable devices offer high speed authentication and are durable enough for use in various environments.

“By implementing such biometric technologies, Nigeria can reduce wait times at border crossings, minimize human error, and prevent unauthorised entries.

“This will not only strengthen border management but also enhance the overall efficiency of border security operations,” he said.

The senior regional security officer, equally stressed the need to strengthen cybersecurity and cyber resilience, adding that in today’s digital world, cybersecurity was essential to national security.

According to him, protecting sensitive data, critical infrastructure, and digital systems from cyber threats must be a top priority.

“Advanced encryption protocols like AES-256 encryption and quantum cryptography are essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s most sensitive government and corporate data.

“Technologies such as Next-Generation Firewalls (NGFW), Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS), and Al-powered anomaly detection can identify and mitigate cyberattacks in real time, protecting Nigeria’s key infrastructure from digital threats.

“Moreover, Nigeria can invest in a robust cyber defense infrastructure that includes state-of-the-art Security Operations Centers (SOC), empowered with the latest Al-driven solutions for detecting and responding to cybersecurity threats and equipped with the latest tools for real-time monitoring and incident response.

“The National Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT) can adopt advanced cyber defense systems such as FireEye’s Network Security and Forensics, which provide real-time threat detection and response capabilities.”

He further called for enhanced intelligence sharing and collaboration, improving crisis management and incident response

“The commitment to adopting and investing in these technologies will help Nigeria better protect its citizens, safeguard critical infrastructure, and secure the nation’s future.

“Together, let us work to leverage these advancements to create a safer Nigeria for generations to come,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Muhyideen Jimoh
Nov, Fri, 2024

Foreign , Science & Tech

We’ll empower more Nigerian girls with technology—-Korean Ambassador

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By Jessica Dogo

The Korean Ambassador to Nigeria, Kim Pankyu, has said that the Korean government will continue to support Nigeria’s quest to empower young girls with technology.

The ambassador spoke at the final of the National Girls in ICT competition organised by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, supported by Plan International, on Thursday in Abuja.

Pankyu was represented by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KIOCA) country Director, Nigeria, SON Sungil.

He said that KIOCA’s engagement with the programme showed its commitment to empowering young girls with technology and innovation in Nigeria.

“Our partnership also signifies the positive outcomes of KIOCA’S long standing digital transfers formation journey with the ministry and the people of Nigeria.

“KIOCA and the Korean government will remain committed to working along side the ministry to help achieve Nigeria’s government renewed hope agenda.

“It is, indeed, a great pleasure to contribute to the success of today’s event by providing resources to this place ” he said.

He said that the journey had been quite tough, adding that a lot of hard work was required.

According to him, KOICA has supported smart schools in Nigeria from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nasarawa, Cross Rivers, Ekiti, Kano and Bauchi states, and hoping to spread the gesture across the country.

“We have been working together with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).

“We recently provided quality ICT facilities to six smart schools where students and teachers can have access to teaching and learning resources.

“That is why we called on them in this competition, believing that it can be a good opportunity for them,” he said.

The Country Director, Plan International,

Mr Usie Emmamuzou, said that Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields had become the cornerstone of modern innovation and advancement.

Emmamuzou, who was represented by Victoria Chenge, said that investing in STEM education and empowering girls would pave the way for a brighter, more equitable future.

He said that despite progress made, girls and women worldwide continue to face numerous challenges, including sexual and physical abuse, forced marriages, female genital mutilation, and gender-based violence.

“Statistics reveal a concerning trend, few girls and young women pursue ICT courses in secondary and tertiary institutions, resulting in an alarmingly low number of females in these fields .

“This disparity underscores the need for urgent investment in the future of our country, particularly in STEM education,” he said.

He, commended the Ministry of Communications Innovations and Digital Economy for efforts dedicated to supporting girls’ education, protection, and empowerment.

He said that Plan International had committed resources to ensuring girls’ safety and success in their chosen disciplines.

“Our strategy focuses on empowering girls to drive change and achieve gender equality in all aspects of life.

“As part of our commitment, we are donating three laps and nine Raspberry Pi to the winners of this competition.

“This contribution symbolises our dedication to fostering a more inclusive and innovative future,” he said.

The Special Adviser to the Minister of Communications Innovations and Digital Economy, Maryam Gwadabe, said that the aim of the competition was to bridge the digital gender divide.

Gwadabe, who is also the Project Lead for National Girls in ICT competition, said that the programme would bring more girls to pursue careers in ICT, build digital innovation that solve community challenges.

“Our plan is to make sure that we bridge the digital gender divide, bring more girls to pursue careers in ICT and build digital innovation that solve community challenges.

“I am really grateful for their support, especially giving us safeguard in terms of technical support and bringing the girls from the six geopolitical zones of the country.

“I thank them for also supporting us in designing and planning the whole process of the event,” he said.

Fatima Nazir, a student of Sweet Haven High School, Kano, who spoke on behalf of the overall winner in the competition expressed excitement over their success.

Nazir urged other students to be confident, resilient and have perseverance, adding that there are so many opportunities to explore out there.

“I feel very excited, amazed,6 happy and delighted. I plan to make our app become something bigger and also achieve a career in tech generally.

“They should not give up and be confident in whatever they do, and have perseverance and resilience so that we can have more opportunities to take part in competitions like this and accomplish something. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Abdulaziz
Oct, Thu, 2024

Economy/Business

FG considers PPPs to fund key science, technology projects

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Okeoghene Akubuike

The Federal Government says it is considering private sector funding through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) for key projects in the Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology.

This is contained in a statement issued by Ifeanyi Nwoko, the Acting Head, Media and Publicity, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC) in Abuja on Thursday.

Nwoko said Dr Jobson Ewalefoh, the Director-General (D-G) of ICRC, said this when he paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji.

Nwoko said the meeting, initiated by the ICRC D-G, aimed to foster partnership between the two government bodies to leverage PPPs for projects that enhance the nation’s economic and technological growth.

Ewalefoh said that science and technology if properly deployed, could serve as a key driver of the economic growth and progress of Nigeria.

“Many countries around the world have used science and technology to drive the economic growth and prosperity of their country and people.

“We are here to brainstorm with you and find ways by which we can deepen the usage of science and technology for the advancement of our country.

“Over the last two decades, countries and businesses have harnessed technology and innovation for upscaling their economy and improving the efficiency in their service delivery.

“That is where we want our country to go, and we believe that is the vision you are championing under the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

“It is, therefore, my aspiration that your ministry will partner with the ICRC to see areas where we can champion private sector funding through PPP to develop some of the projects specific to the ministry,” he said.

The D-G informed the minister that there was already a collaboration with an agency under its purview but stressed that there were other key areas where PPP could be harnessed to deliver laudable projects in the ministry.

He said that the commission had streamlined its processes to accelerate PPP project delivery as well as deliver important services to the Nigerian people.

Ewalefoh pointed out that some key private sector operators had already verbalised their desire to work with the ministry in a PPP arrangement.

Responding, Nnaji expressed his excitement at the appointment of the D-G, saying that Ewalefoh’s wealth of experience would revolutionise the PPP sphere in Nigeria.

“Indeed, a square peg has been placed in a square hole,” he said

The minister emphasised that the ministry served as a key enabler of economic growth and has had the support of Tinubu which was demonstrated through major approvals granted the ministry.

He said that the president had approved methanol production, saying that although the implementation process was still being finalised, foreign direct investments for the project had reached more than 1.5 billion dollars.

“We want to go into beneficiation of raw materials and we have the Presidential Executive Order No 5 to back it, such that we don’t have to export our raw materials, but process it to a level before exporting.

“We are looking at doing green hydrogen too,” he said.

Nnaji noted that Nigeria could make a lot more from cassava export than it was currently making if the raw cassava was processed before export.

“We believe that with ICRC, we will partner in doing things right and enabling us to forge a better outlook for most of these projects.

“In methanol, we are going to involve ICRC more closely to see the way forward and how it can benefit the country better.

“I am happy that you are here; coming here shows that you know what you are doing. You are taking services to those that need it,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams