At the National Cybercrime Summit hosted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, delivered a ground-breaking presentation titled “Alternative to Cybercrimes.” His thought-provoking paper challenged traditional methods of combating cybercrime, offering a forward-looking approach centred around digital literacy and innovation.
Inuwa, widely regarded as a key figure in Nigeria’s digital transformation, stressed that the fight against cybercrime should not rely solely on law enforcement. Instead, he highlighted the urgent need for a paradigm shift—one that focuses on educating and empowering citizens to safeguard themselves online. Central to this strategy is NITDA’s ambitious target to achieve 95% digital literacy in Nigeria by 2030.
“Combating cybercrime is not just about apprehending offenders; it’s about equipping individuals with the knowledge to stay ahead of evolving cyber threats,” Inuwa stated. He emphasized that NITDA’s ongoing digital literacy programs are aimed at reducing cyber threats by arming Nigerians with critical online safety skills. The agency is rolling out various initiatives designed to educate citizens and foster innovation in the digital space.
In his remarks, Inuwa lauded the efforts of the EFCC in tackling cybercrime but insisted that prevention should be prioritized alongside enforcement. “If we want to curb cybercrime in the long term, we need to focus on building a society where individuals are aware of the risks and know how to protect themselves,” he added.
The NITDA chief’s address comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with rising incidents of cyber fraud, hacking, and online scams. Inuwa’s emphasis on digital education as a primary defence strategy aligns with global trends that view knowledge and innovation as vital to securing cyberspace.
In a country where internet penetration is rapidly growing, Inuwa’s message resonates as a call to action for policymakers, tech companies, and educational institutions to collaborate in building a digitally literate population. As NITDA continues to roll out its digital literacy programs, the agency is poised to play a critical role in transforming Nigeria into a digitally secure and empowered nation by 2030.
The summit attracted cybersecurity experts, law enforcement officials, and stakeholders from across the country, all of whom echoed the need for greater public awareness in the fight against cybercrime.
Kashifu Inuwa’s vision, encapsulated in his presentation, is set to redefine the way Nigeria approaches the digital economy, fostering a proactive culture of cyber safety for the future.