The National Institute of Security Studies (NISS) has partnered with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to enhance the application of information and communication technology (ICTs) in improving national security.
During a visit to the executive vice chairman of the commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, at the NCC’s head office in Abuja, the director of research estimates and library services at the institute, Dr. Adegboyega Karim stated that the visit was aimed at enriching ongoing research that focuses on globalisation and regional integration for sustainable development in Africa.
Karim led a delegation of Executive Intelligence Management Course Sixteen Participants (EIM16) – a study group comprising senior officers from various security agencies under the auspices of NISS, including the military, police, intelligence services, and other relevant agencies – to the commission.
He noted that the commission has made significant strides in advancing the digital economy development in Nigeria, and that its regulatory processes provide an excellent opportunity for collaboration to further research into matters concerning telecommunications and national security.
In his response, the NCC’s director of special duties, Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde, who received the team on behalf of Danbatta, affirmed the commission’s readiness to collaborate with institutions focused on national development. Danbatta also highlighted the commission’s efforts in promoting the deployment of robust digital infrastructure capable of supporting and improving the security of lives and property.
He further stated that the commission’s regulatory regime has resulted in tremendous successes in the telecoms industry. He noted that the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) and the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) serve as compasses for the commission’s efforts at building a resilient digital economy that supports security.
“As a way of consolidating on the tremendous successes recorded in the telecoms industry through effective regulatory regime emplaced by the commission, the Federal Government has formulated a number of policies such as the Nigerian National Broadband Plan (NNBP) and the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS), among others, which serve as a compass for our efforts at building a resilient digital economy that supports security,” Danbatta stated.
The commission’s director of public affairs, Reuben Muoka, in a statement, informed the visiting delegation about the NCC’s efforts towards ensuring the adequate protection of telecoms facilities across the country, the building of Emergency Communications Centers (ECCs) across states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and series of collaborations with relevant agencies to ensure effective connectivity to individuals and institutions.
