New Cybersecurity Policy Will Curb Insecurity Challenge, Says NSA Monguno

New Cybersecurity Policy Will Curb Insecurity Challenge, Says NSA Monguno

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The National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy 2020 has been submitted to the National Security Adviser, Gen. Babagana Monguno (retd.), by the review committee in Abuja.

 

 

The strategy document which made provisions for the surveillance and tracking of bandits in the North-West and insurgents in the North-East is expected to address the security challenges in the country.

 

 

Receiving the policy document at his office in Abuja on Thursday, the NSA said it would also address the nation’s cybersecurity challenges, boost readiness for global cybersecurity collaborations, and enhance digital economic competitiveness.

 

Monguno further noted that the document also reflected the global norms and was expected to foster cooperation with the nation’s international allies in the areas of security and economic development.

 

He said:-

“There is no gainsaying that Nigeria is presently witnessing a surge in digital transformation. Many new activities are now migrating to the Internet, especially with the advent of the coronavirus pandemic. Consequently, Nigeria’s cyberspace has become a centre stage for new innovations, governance and social interactions.

 

 

“This trend has created an opportunity for us to redefine our national objectives and address some of the major developmental challenges currently facing the country, including the emergence of new forms of criminality and terrorism perpetrated through the cyberspace.”

 

 

The Chairman of the NCPS review committee, Mr Abdul-Hakeem Ajijola, explained that the committee worked for over 12 weeks to identify and amend gaps, collate relevant inputs from government and civil agencies and the international community.

 

 

He stated, “Globally, there is a shortage of 3.12 million cybersecurity workers. This is an opportunity I think Nigeria can grab hold of. This year, the Africa cybersecurity market was estimated at $2.32 billion and so, our document tried to see how we can get Nigeria to develop that sector so that we can not only see cybersecurity as an individual organization expense but as a societal income so that young people, preferably below 35 years can be gainfully employed, start their businesses.”