Professor Isa Pantami Advocates Technology and Policy to Resolve National Issues

Professor Isa Ali Pantami, Nigeria’s former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, has asserted that the country’s security and unemployment crises can be resolved through the strategic application of technology and robust policymaking.

Speaking at the unveiling of a comprehensive record of his achievements on Monday, April 13, 2026, Pantami highlighted his transition from leading the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in 2016 to his ministerial tenure from 2019 to 2023.

The former minister underscored that the global shift toward the Fourth Industrial Revolution makes digital technology and artificial intelligence essential tools for governance.

He pointed to his establishment of digital centers as a practical success, noting that real-time surveillance systems in states like Gombe now allow security agencies to track and apprehend criminals remotely. Pantami argued that the “digital era” offers a technological solution for every challenge Nigeria currently faces, provided there is reliable power and strong institutional support.

Addressing the issue of job scarcity, Pantami highlighted the massive global demand for experts in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. He noted that millions of opportunities exist in these emerging sectors, suggesting that focused technological training could significantly reduce Nigeria’s unemployment rate.

During the event, several beneficiaries shared personal accounts of how Pantami’s initiatives led to their employment in academic and public institutions, such as the National Identity Management Commission.

Reflecting on his public service record, Pantami presented a “scorecard” rather than future promises, claiming to have executed 241 projects in Gombe and over 4,600 nationwide.

He emphasized that his administration prioritized justice and equity, ensuring that no state was marginalized in the distribution of federal projects. Furthermore, the cybersecurity expert maintained that he served with absolute integrity, stating that his years in office were free from any corruption indictments or investigations.