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The use of spectrum-based technology has been adopted by the federal government to fix challenges of security and internally generated revenue (IGR).
Already, government has procured five radio monitoring systems, which would be deployed to various locations.
Speaking at a workshop on ‘21st Century Satellite/Radio Monitoring and Spectrum Management for IGR and National Security’, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications, Musa Istifanus, said government approved implementation of the spectrum monitoring project, having recognised the crucial role it would play in stemming the challenges posed by irregular and/or illegal use of radio frequency spectrum in the country.
He explained that government, through the ministry in 2017, awarded contract for the supply, installation and commissioning of mobile radio monitoring equipment and National Spectrum Management System to Messrs TCI International Inc., United States of Ameria.
Istifanus noted that the project was commissioned to enhance security by providing intelligence to security agencies, to equip the ministry with tools for investigating and detecting violations in the use of radio spectrum in Nigeria, and to reduce incidences of illegal operations and harmful interference by radio frequency users.
Others are, to determine frequency spectrum band and channel occupancy, to assist in the resolution of electromagnetic spectrum interference and to increase revenue generation for the government.
He observed that radio monitoring, satellite monitoring and drone detection mechanisms, if deployed, would help keep the military personnel safe.
In his welcome address, Director, Radio Monitoring and Survey in the ministry, Kilyobas Binga, stated that Nigeria could not continue to rely on only old and conventional methods to address its security and revenue challenges, as technology had to be deployed innovatively to proffer solutions.
He said, “Our security services cannot continue to depend solely on how many foot soldiers they have or how many conventional weapons can be acquired and deployed to fight wars, terrorism or related criminal activities in the society. Success of any war is now largely dependent on intelligence gathering. This is where satellite and spectrum management are invaluable.”
President LiviaSOFT, Dr. Bobga Danjuma, observed that Nigeria was exposed to a lot of danger, but assured that with technology, the nation could be protected without endangering the military personnel.
He noted that future threat and warfare would be based on technology. “Yes, we have the Boko Haram situation and all the kidnapping that is taking place. They are things of the past. Cyber security, radio monitoring, interference in our airspace is going to be the next big thing.”