President Muhammadu Buhari launched the advanced communication infrastructure, code-named “Giwa 2 Project,” for the Armed Forces of Nigeria on Tuesday.
According to the media, the initiative is a secure and specialised communication domain that offers real-time audio and video communication for military operations.
Defence Headquarters is in charge of coordinating defence communications networks.
Buhari said that the communication infrastructure was created to offer secure communication, real-time rapid reporting, and information sharing between the armed forces and other security agencies.
He said that it will lead to increased coordination between the defence, intelligence, and security sectors while also offering a forum for the denial of freedom of action to insecurity perpetrators throughout Nigeria.
According to him, the Giwa 2 project concept is in collaboration with some of the Federal Government’s primary emphasis areas in the fields of security, economic advancement, and technological development.
“These benefits of the Giwa 2 project informed the Federal Government’s timely support through the Central Bank of Nigeria to ensure that the centre is commissioned as one of the proud landmarks and enduring achievements of Nigeria’s armed forces under this administration.”
“It is clear from what we are seeing here today that you have the infrastructure in place to withstand the test of time and carry out its mandate,” he added.
Buhari said that the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy will assist the Defence Headquarters in completely deploying the infrastructure available for rural telephony in order to complete the project.
He assured that the government would support the full implementation of the project’s other components to guarantee competent and dynamic armed forces capable of protecting the country’s territorial integrity.
He said that the armed forces have consistently proven their determination to offer a safe, secure, and enabling environment to advance national security.
The president said that his government has made tremendous advances to improve the armed forces’ capacity and capabilities to address the country’s many security problems.
He encouraged soldiers to continue giving their all in the service of the country.
He also pushed the armed forces to continue breaking new ground and staying at the forefront of mainstreaming, technology, and other cutting-edge efforts to help Nigerians live in a safe, secure, and peaceful environment.
The Minister of Military Affairs, retired Major-General Bashir Magashi, was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ibrahim Kana, who congratulated the DHQ on the successful completion of the secure countrywide military communication network infrastructure.
According to Magashi, the initiative represented a significant achievement in the technical progress of communication networks in Nigeria’s armed forces.
He said that the network may provide phone, data, and video services, as well as other value-added services, to military installations in and around Abuja.
Prof. Isa Pantami, Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, said that the new network will help the nation’s security institutions gain confidence and improve their image.
Pantami said that the deployment will help to consolidate the Buhari administration’s security successes while also opening up new avenues for resolving Nigeria’s security concerns.
“As we all know, all of the systems used in security today require effective networks, including control systems, computer systems, communication systems, intelligence systems, information systems, surveillance systems, and recognition systems.”
“They require a highly secure network to communicate, and I believe this project will be part of the Giwa 2 project.”
Mr. Godwin Emefiele, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said that the initiative was sponsored by the top bank due to the effect of insecurity on agriculture.
Emefiele said that enhanced security will contribute to resolving the issue of food shortages caused by farmers’ inability to travel to fields.
According to the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, the initiative arose from the reality that the domains of electronic warfare, information warfare, and cyber warfare were all intertwined.
According to Irabor, every commander would want to have both technical and operational control over his own communications as well as the ability to affect the communications of his rivals.
He said that the armed services have long desired a specialised and secure communication network that could be deployed to improve administrative, logistical, and operational tasks.
“As a result, in 2013, the National Communications Commission allocated DHQ 20 megahertz bandwidth for the establishment of a secure nationwide defence communication network.”
“In May 2021, DHQ began establishing the secure nationwide communication network codenamed Giwa 2 Project infrastructure after years of planning and consideration of various funding and operating models.”
He commended Buhari for his unwavering support for the project’s realization.
