Cybersecurity: Nigeria designs protection plan for critical national information infrastructure

*The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) plans three-month Cybersecurity Sensitisation Workshops across seven critical sectors, including Telecommunications, Defence and Security, as part of the ongoing initiatives to achieve strategic objectives of the new National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy 2021

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

Against the reported increase in the level of insecurity across the country of late, Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has taken steps to develop a protection plan for Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) through the implementation of the new National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (NCPS) 2021.

ConsumerConnect reports that ONSA disclosed this development Tuesday, September 13, 2021, in a statement issued by Mr. Zakari Usman, Head of Strategic Communication in Office of the National Security Adviser, in Abuja, FCT.

The ONSA Head of Strategic Communication noted the modality was discussed at the 7th Meeting of the Cybercrime Advisory Council, which Maj.-Gen. Babagana Monguno (Rtd.), National Security Adviser (NSA), chaired Monday, in Abuja.

Protection of Nigeria’s telecoms infrastructure 

The statement said the Council, pursuant to its mandate under the Cybercrime Act (2015), deliberated on the development of a protection plan for CNII, and updated the modalities for the cybersecurity sensitisation programme for the relevant sectors of the Nigerian economy.

Recall President Muhammadu Buhari launched the NCPS 2021 February 23 this year, following the implementation and review of the maiden National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy.

Usman stated: “Following the launch, the policy document was widely disseminated to Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies, private organisations and relevant stakeholders for implementation.

“The 7th meeting of the council reviewed emerging risks in the cyberspace and discussed modalities to facilitate and strengthen ongoing initiatives towards the Implementation of the NCPS 2021.

“The Office of the National Security Adviser updated the Council on the identification, designation and protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure as specified in the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Protection etc) Act 2015.”

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The ONSA also said: “Consequently, the Council deliberated on the development of a protection plan and guidelines for the already identified Critical National Information Infrastructure.”

He further noted in the statement that ONSA had planned three-month Cybersecurity Sensitisation Workshops across seven sectors from September to December 2021 as part of ongoing initiatives to achieve the strategic objectives of the policy in the country.

Usman stated the seven sectors of the economy include Telecommunications, Defence and Security, Education, Finance and Capital market, Energy, Professional organisations, the Private Sector and Judiciary.

“The workshop series will provide information, strengthen cybersecurity governance and coordination, and build the capacity of relevant stakeholders on their responsibilities under the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy.

“The workshops will also sensitise stakeholders on the expected deliverables, projected timelines and key performance indicators as required in the Action Plan for the Strategy Implementation.

“The sensitisation programme will begin with the Defence and Security sector on Wednesday and Thursday, and will be conducted other sectors every fortnight till the first week of December,” the statement added.