The African Scientific Research and Innovation Council (ASRIC), under the African Union (AU), has appointed Nigeria’s former minister of communications, Ali Pantami, as its co-chairman.With his new appointment, Mr Pantami will play a major role in formulating and developing the 4th Industrial Revolution Policy and Strategy for the 54 countries in the continent.
Mr Pantami, who served as a minister between 2019 and 2023, was known for his support to the development of technology in the country.Before he was appointed minister, Mr Pantami had served as director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) from September 26, 2016 to August 20, 2019.
As NITDA boss, Mr Pantami pioneered launching of the National Centre of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (NCAIR), which he commissioned when he became minister.Another ASRIC co-chair is Anicia Nicola Peter from the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology in Namibia, who doubles as an adjunct Research Professor at the University of Namibia.
Other academics and policymakers on the council include Khaleed Ghedira from Tunisia, Maha Grima from Morocco, Mongi Nouira, and Munir FrijSome of the achievement he got as a minister include Developed and secured approval of the Federal Executive Council for the National Policy on Fifth Generation (5G) Networks for Nigeria’s Digital Economy. Successfully supervised the auctioning of the 5G spectrum and its subsequent release by the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC).
The successful transformation and restructuring of NIPOST for effective service delivery. Two companies were established: Properties and Development company and Logistics and Transport company.Anchored and secured Federal Executive Council’s approval for the Nigeria Startup Bill to harness the potential of the digital economy through co-created regulations.
