*Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO of  the telecoms regulatory Commission, is committed to ensuring the Nigerian cyberspace is protected against the nefarious activities of cybercriminals that endanger unsuspecting Internet users in the country

Isola Noses | ConsumerConnect

For its several consumer protection initiatives to promote a safer Internet experience in the country, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has received a cybersecurity promotion award at the maiden edition of Cybersecurity Merit Awards hosted by the Cybersecurity Experts Association of Nigerian (CSEAN) at the weekend in Lagos.

The Commission stated the award conferred on the regulator ahead of other contending organisations, listed the NCC’s sterling contributions to the protection of telecoms consumers from all forms of cybercrimes.

Dr. Haru Alhassan, Director of New Media and Information Security of NCC, who received the award on behalf of Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC,  said such a credible award from professionals is encouraging for the efforts which the Commission has made in cybersecurity.

The Commission, in a statement, said Dr. Alhassan informed the audience that tackling the menace of cybercrime in the country has become even more imperative as the success of the implementation of digital economy policy and strategy depends on a strong foundation of cybersecurity architecture in Nigeria.

Mr. Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, who gave a goodwill speech on behalf of the EVC/CEO, traced the efforts of the Commission in relation to networking activities at the international level, including the global Internet Governance Forum and other initiatives like the Child Online Protection.

Danbatta adverted the minds of the experts to the provisions of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030, which one of the 8-Pillars focuses on Soft Infrastructure, is premised on harnessing policy and regulatory initiatives to create an enabling environment that targets increased protection for users of digital products and services in the country.

The NCC Chief also stated: “The Commission is committed to ensuring that the Nigerian cyberspace is protected against the nefarious activities of cybercriminals that endanger unsuspecting Internet users in the country.”

It is in recognition of the strategic role the cyberspace plays in the advancement of digital economy that the Commission created NMIS Department to take charge of several activities, initiatives and programmes pivoted on collaboration to enhance cyber and information security in the Nigerian cyberspace, said Danbatta.

He further said: “We have continued to be part of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), promote Child Online Protection as well as create awareness on cyber threats through the NCC’s Computer Security Incidence Response Team (CSIRT), which constantly monitors the cyberspace and publishes advisories on identified cyber threats.”

The Commission said the CMA 2020 was organised to recognise individuals, startups, private businesses, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government, as well as state governments, for excellence, innovation, and effective leadership in promoting cybersecurity ecosystem in Nigeria.