BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY MEDIA FOR AFRICA

Internet services expanded for Nigeria aid workers

By Emeka Ekonkwo, Contributor
Johannesburg, 07 Mar 2024
In total, the group need $1.16 million to maintain and enhance services in eleven operational areas throughout the region.
In total, the group need $1.16 million to maintain and enhance services in eleven operational areas throughout the region.

The Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) has secured $50,000 to improve internet connectivity for humanitarian organisations responding to terrorism in north-eastern Nigeria.

In total, the group need $1.16 million to maintain and enhance services in eleven operational areas throughout the region.

ETC is a global network of organisations that collaborate to provide shared communications services during humanitarian catastrophes.

Last month, the donation enabled ETC to give data connectivity to 1,230 users from 91 institutions.

There are 14 UN agencies and 77 NGOs are operating in the region.

Also, the configuration, installation, and assembly of two CrisisNet kits was the highlight for the aid workers.

The CrisisNet kit is a portable connection solution designed to give humanitarians with internet access in areas where national networks are unavailable or unreliable.

As part of the ETC's ambitions to upgrade its cyber security architecture, the cluster collaborated with WFP to test newly bought firewall cyber security equipment that was integrated into the ETC connectivity network.

"The ETC is currently monitoring the firewall's performance and adjusting the needs based on feedback, before deploying the same solution in seven other locations," stated Oluwashina Oni, ETC information management officer.

Northeast Nigeria is the hub of terror by Islamist groups, primarily Boko Haram.

Since the violence began in 2009, thousands of people have been killed, and 1.2 million have been displaced. Certain telecommunications infrastructures have been damaged. This has discouraged operators from investing.

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