FG, Cisco create team on ICT partnership

The federal government and Cisco, an information technology firm, on Tuesday set up a technical team to work out ways to contribute to improving Nigeria’s digital economy.

The Cisco Africa team held a virtual meeting with Nigeria’s team led by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami.

Cisco’s Senior Vice President, Public Policy and Governmental Affairs for Europe, Middle East,

Africa and Russia, Ms Pastora Valero, said the partnership would transform Nigeria’s ICT space.

“We have keenly followed your progress and would very much like to be a part of your vision in driving the sector and are open to partnerships in that regard,” she said.

The Senior Director Policy and Governmental Affairs, Africa, Charmaine Houvet, said: “The leadership that the Honourable Minister has brought to bear in the sector is highly commendable and Cisco is willing to be a part of this journey.”

Dr Pantami in response to Cisco’s prayers, immediately set up a technical team to draw up a Memorandum of Understanding in that regard. He said Nigeria is now championing a paradigm shift leveraging on technology to give preference and priority to proven skills over paper qualifications.