Owing to the increasing dependence on digital tools and platforms to carry daily activities by Nigerians, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, has reiterated that more than ever before, Nigeria needs cyber awareness.
Thus, the Minister, who stated this while delivering a keynote address at the 2020 International Legislative – Stakeholder Conference on Cybersecurity in Abuja yesterday, urged all stakeholders to work toward enhancing the security of Nigeria’s cyberspace.
Dr. Pantami, who was represented at the event by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, hailed the organiser of the event, saying it is timely, as it was slated for the month of October, dedicated globally to raising awareness on online safety and cybersecurity.
“Cybersecurity awareness has become imperative due to the attendant risks that emanate from the appreciable migration of several transactions, meetings, lectures and other forms of interaction to online and digital platforms due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he said.
He admitted that while there are adequate laws, policies and frameworks in the country on cybersecurity, collective efforts at fast-tracking the implementation of their instruments have become more central in view of the pandemic.
One of such instruments, he said, is the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria, developed by the Ministry, with eight pillars, which include developmental regulation, digital literacy & skills, solid infrastructure, service infrastructure, digital services development & promotion, soft infrastructure, digital society and emerging technologies, as well as indigenous content development and adoption.
The sixth pillar of NDEPS aligns with the theme of the conference, as it essentially aims at ensuring that Nigerians are secure online. Furthermore, Section 106(1(c)) of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003, states the role of the Nigerian Communications Commission in the protection of consumer information. Similarly, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Act 2007 Section 6(l) states the role of NITDA in promoting the development of information technology to enhance national security.
The Nigeria National Cybersecurity Framework also prescribes guidance for public and private sector organisations for instituting measures for enshrining cybersecurity culture and enthrone cyber-resiliency in Nigeria.