The Nigerian government has announced its commitment to strengthen the country's cybersecurity during the opening of the National Cybersecurity Conference in Abuja.
Nigeria's Cybersecurity Commitment
The conference was opened by the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, who noted that strengthening cybersecurity has become a critical task amid digital transformation. He emphasized, "Building a resilient digital future is not just a theme; it’s a call to action. Resilience is no longer optional; it is the bedrock of national security and economic stability."
Key Initiatives and Plans
Several initiatives to strengthen Nigeria's cybersecurity were highlighted at the conference:
* Establishing a National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre for real-time response to threats. * Executive Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure for protecting vital digital assets. * Review of the Cybercrime Act to address evolving threats. * Update of the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy to incorporate artificial intelligence. * Enhanced coordination between telecom operators and security agencies to protect critical infrastructure.
Cybersecurity Hackathon at NCSC
As part of the conference, a hackathon was held among government agencies, where teams competed in cybersecurity challenges. Teams included:
* Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) * Nigerian Customs Service * Ekiti State ICT Department * Nigerian Defence College
The Ekiti State ICT Department emerged as the winner, showcasing their skills in a five-hour cybersecurity challenge.
The National Cybersecurity Conference in Nigeria marked a significant milestone in collaborative efforts to enhance digital security, demonstrating the government's commitment to deploying reliable measures to safeguard against digital threats.
