ICT Agency Urges Collaboration On Infrastructure Dev

Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA),  Prof. Cleopas Angaye, has  called for public participation in the development of National Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) for Nigeria’s digital economy.

Angaye, who was represented by Mr Kemabonta Inyen, NITDA’s Director of Standard Guidelines and Regulations, made the call in Abuja at the public presentation of the “PKI blueprint for Nigeria and stakeholders’ engagement workshop.

The Tide source reports that the blue print is a collection of security technologies, procedures, processes and policies that collectively provide a framework for addressing, and using cryptography.

It also contains the fundamental security issues of piracy, authentication, integrity, non-repudiation and access control in data communication.

Angaye described the draft as a comprehensive document put together to chart a new course for the emergence of a digital economy for the country.

“The document is a road map for the enhancement of our e-government and e-services.

“The closest we have come to this document is the bill that is before the National Assembly regarding electronic transaction, especially where it talks about the need to have digital signature and certificate authority among others.

“It also goes into great depth of what need to be done, by whom and for how long. ’’

He explained that with the uncontrolled infiltration and proliferation in the use of cyberspace, there was the need to develop a sustainable and secure platform for cyber accessibility, secure transaction and credible identity.

Earlier in her address, Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA), President, Mrs Mary Uduma,  said that the country needed PKI to grow in the IT industry and its reputation in the global community.

“We will not only build confidence and trust, but also grow the Domain Name Service (DNS), in our country.

“The service is in its infancy, but is a multi-billion industry and we are looking forward to having such an infrastructure,’’ Uduma said.

She promised that the association would give the agency the necessary support for the development of the national framework.