Communications Ministry Generated Over N1trn Revenue in Two Years, Pantami Claims

• The minister of communications and digital economy has revealed the huge amount generated by his ministry
• According to him, the sector played a huge role in lifting the country out of recession in recent times
• Going further, the minister said that initiatives of the ministry are geared towards supporting the federal government in its 3 main focus areas- economy, security and anti-corruption

In what can be described as a landmark achievement, the federal ministry of communications and digital economy under Isa Pantami has generated N1.054 trillion as revenue for the federal government in two years.

This was disclosed by Pantami, minister of communications and digital economy in Abuja, The Cable reports.

According to him, the digital economy sector played a huge role in lifting the country out of recession, with ICT recording the highest growth rate in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Read also

PIA: Beyond fanfare, reservations - Opinion by Mon-Charles Egbo

He said:

“The initiatives of the ministry are geared towards supporting the federal government in its 3 main focus areas- economy, security and anti-corruption."

“Additionally, the ministry and its parastatals have generated over N1 trillion for the federal government in less than 2 years, this translates to an average of about N44 Billion every month or over N1.4 Billion every day.”

“Furthermore, over ninety four billion naira *N94,000,000,000) was generated for the federal government and approved by the national assembly in line with relevant laws, as part of the 2020 appropriation for personnel, capital projects, capacity building, interventions, etc."

Recall that Legit.ng recently reported that Pantami bagged the most outstanding minister of the year 2021 award presented by Elite Exclusive magazine. The organisers say the minister of communications and digital economy was singled out for the honour based on an online poll it conducted.

Read also

Opinion: Isa Pantami is one of the most charismatic ministers in Buhari's administration

The award according to the magazine was in recognition of the exceptional role the minister is playing in sustaining ICT exponential growth, digitization of Nigeria's emerging economy and also positioning Nigeria’s digital economy sector on the path of sustainable national development.

It noted that under the leadership of Dr Pantami, Nigeria reverberated its place as the giant of Africa and leaders in innovation. The organisers also stated that smart agriculture, smart education, ICT innovation and entrepreneurship, indigenous content development are giving a top priority under the leadership of Dr Pantami, in line with the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari's local content policy.

The introduction of the National Identification Number (NIN) by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has substantially reduced incidents of banditry and kidnapping in the country.

Pantami made the claim on Thursday, June 3, in Abuja. While giving an account of his stewardship since assuming office, Pantami said unregistered, and partially registered sim cards were being used to perpetrate crime in the country.

Read also

OPINION: On NITDA Bill and Kashifu's integrity by Abdulsalam Mahmud

According to him, the policy compelling Nigerians to obtain a NIN has reduced to the barest minimum incidents of kidnapping and banditry from the end of September 2019 to 2020

Source: Legit.ng