The Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN) has charged the National Security Adviser (NSA) on cyber security policy and strategy implementation.
CSEAN President, Ade Shoyinka, in Abuja, at the Cyber Secure Nigeria 2023 Conference, expressed his appreciation for the efforts made by the NSA in reviewing the National Cyber Security Policy and Strategy (NCPS) 2021.
Shoyinka, however, pointed out that the implementation of these documents is overdue, considering that the initial document was introduced in 2015.
Shoyinka emphasized the significance of establishing the National Cyber Security Coordination Centre (NCCC), as outlined in the policy and strategy documents, reiterating that Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 empowers the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to provide oversight to the establishment of the National Cyber Security Coordination Centre to ensure the implementation of Nigeria’s national cyber security programme.
He advised that the NCCC must become fully operational and led by a proactive cyber security industry leader for Nigeria’s national cyber security programme to effectively address the evolving global threat landscape. Shoyinka’s statement underscores the critical nature of national cyber security and the need to prioritize it above political considerations.
He emphasized that cyber attacks are real and constantly evolving threats that should not be subject to partisan politics or bureaucratic processes.
Shoyinka reminded us that the consequences of cyber attacks can be severe, causing damage to critical infrastructure, economic loss, and compromising the privacy and security of individuals and organisations.
He urged policymakers and relevant stakeholders to take cyber security seriously and prioritise its effective implementation.
By emphasizing the urgency of addressing cyber threats and avoiding political gamesmanship, Shoyinka highlighted the importance of a proactive and coordinated approach to cyber security at the national level.
Further, Shoyinka advocated empowering the NCCC to fulfill its responsibilities, including establishing regional offices and supporting state governments in implementing their cyber security programs, as outlined in the Strategy and Policy documents.
Shoyinka also commended President Bola Tinubu for signing the Data Protection Bill into law, describing it as a commendable step in the right direction. He believed that the full implementation of the act would strengthen Nigeria’s cyberspace data protection and improve data management practices.
Additionally, he urged the leadership of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission to create a road map for job creation, as the new bill presents an opportunity for the agency to generate employment for Nigerian youths.
