FG commits to strengthening cybersecurity, seeks collaboration

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to strengthening cybersecurity as the country’s digital economy was rapidly growing.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, gave the assurance at the opening of the Cybersecurity Stakeholders’ Capacity Building Workshop on Tuesday in Abuja.

According to report, the two-day programme was organised by the Federal Government in partnership with the World Bank.

Pantami also called for collaboration with the relevant industry players to contribute meaningfully in order to forge ahead the cybersecurity space in Nigeria.

He said in the ever-evolving world of technology and cyber threats have become constant threats to businesses and organisations worldwide.

“It is important to note that cybersecurity is a global issue and collaboration between organisations is essential to combating cyber threats,” Pantami added.

In Nigeria, he said, digital economy was rapidly growing, adding, ”with that growth comes the need for heightened cybersecurity measures and robust partnerships like the one with the bank.”

Pantami quoted a recent report by the Africa Cybersecurity Report as saying: “Cyber-attacks in Africa have increased by 300 per cent over the last year alone.

“This trend is particularly worrisome given that Africa’s digital economy is on the rise.

“The World Bank has predicted that Africa’s digital economy could be worth $180 billion by 2025, representing a significant opportunity for growth and development across the continent,”

The minister said this growth could be severely impeded if businesses and organisations do not take the necessary steps to protect themselves against cyber threats.

Pantami said that having a robust cybersecurity strategy cannot be overstated, adding that it is essential to protect Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, businesses, and citizens

He recalled how Nigeria was able to counter cyber threats during the recent 2023 general elections.

According to Pantami, the workshop is a crucial step towards securing Nigeria’s cyber space and in building the capacity of the stakeholders to tackle cyber security challenges effectively.

He said: “It aligns with our National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, which identifies cybersecurity as a priority area.

“Our strategy aims to build a digital economy that is safe, secure, and resilient.

“The National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy is focused on eight pillars, and one of them is developing a robust digital infrastructure.”

Pantami assured that government was committed to building a resilient cybersecurity, hence the development and review of the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy in 2022.

This, he said, provides a comprehensive framework for addressing cybersecurity challenges in the country

Pantami listed other steps taken by the government to ensure a secure cyberspace by developing three World Class National Security Centers.

He said: “Whilst the cybersecurity issues are handled and or escalated to relevant channels by the Computer Emergency Readiness and Response Team (CERRT), Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT).

“Security Operations Center (SOC) that we established in the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Galaxy Backbone Ltd (GBB).”

Pantami said that privacy concerns and issues were also being addressed along with all the relevant stakeholders through the newly established Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB).

He appreciated the World Bank for its various interventions in Nigeria toward the full implementation of a digital economy.

Pantami said that a secured cyberspace requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including the private sector, civil society organisations and academia.

The minister said: “We are also partnering with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and other institutions to ensure that our cyberspace is more secure.

“This is because the task of securing our cyberspace cannot be achieved by the government alone.”

Some of the dignitaries in attendance included: The Digital Development Specialist, World Bank HQ, Washington DC, Hyea Won Lee and the Executive Vice-Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, Prof. Umar Danbatta, among others.

All the industry players called for a resilient and robust cybersecurity culture in Nigeria, as well as an improved collaboration for the general well-being of cyberspace in Nigeria.