Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), has congratulated Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, on his appointment by the International Telecommunication Union as Chairman of the WSIS Forum in 2022. (ITU).
The Minister’s appointment as chair of the Forum, according to Danbatta, is a worthy recognition of Nigeria’s leadership role in the global digital economy ecosystem, noting that Nigeria has maintained a front-row seat in the promotion of information and communication technology (ICT) as a driving force for national development since the Minister took office.
“I want to offer our sincere happiness and congratulations to the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, on his well-deserved appointment by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to chair this year’s WSIS Forum,” Danbatta said.
“The Hon. Minister’s appointment did not surprise us at NCC, considering the crucial role he has been playing in promoting core digital economy policies, which are being implemented by agencies under his supervision, in order to strengthen the Federal Government’s diversification program,” the EVC said.
“As a result, we are pleased to join the Minister in congratulating Nigeria on this achievement.” The appointment shows that the world has continued to notice Nigeria’s digital economy’s tremendous progress under the Minister’s leadership.
“The NCC will continue to do everything in its regulatory power to support the Federal Government’s push for ubiquitous, affordable, and accessible digital services across the country,” Danbatta said.
The ITU recently notified the Minister of his appointment as the WSIS Chairman for 2022 through letter, following consultations with numerous stakeholders.
The ITU, in partnership with other UN agencies and the United Nations, is organizing the WSIS 2022 Forum, which will focus on “ICTs for Well-Being, Inclusion, and Resilience: WSIS Cooperation for Accelerating Progress on the SDGs.”
Following the WSIS Phase I meeting in 2003, Prof. Pantami’s appointment has given Nigeria, and indeed the African continent, the unique role of managing the activities of the WSIS in its 20th year.
The WSIS Forum 2022, which will be attended by a number of high-level stakeholders, including Cabinet Ministers from ITU member nations, will be a significant forum for discussing the role of ICTs in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals targets. The discussion will take place as part of the UNGA Resolution A/70/1 framework for monitoring and reviewing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’s implementation.
The WSIS Forum also provides information and analysis on the execution of WSIS Action Lines since 2005, in partnership with UN Agencies.
The Forum strives to improve global cooperation, partnership, innovation, experience sharing, and best practices in ICTs for sustainable development.
