NITDA’s Inuwa advocates collaborative effort at enhancing cybersecurity, digital trust

*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, emphasises the urgent need to address the growing menace of cybercrime while proposing alternative paths for Nigeria’s youth and strategies to fortify national cyber resilience

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

As part of efforts at smoothening the transformative journey of strengthening Nigeria’s national security with total commitment to robust cybersecurity measures and digital trust, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has urged the public and private sectors to invest more in the training of cybersecurity professionals in the country’s digital ecosystem.

ConsumerConnect reports Inuwa stated this in his presentation as a Guest Speaker in a paper titled, “Alternative to Cybercrime”, at the National Cybercrimes Summit 2024, organised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, FCT.

The Director-General of NITDA also cited that the benefits of securing businesses, organisations and processes, far outweigh the negative consequences of cyberattacks.

The Nigerian Information Technology (IT) regulatory agency described the summit with the theme, “Alternate to Cybercrime: Optimising Cyber Skills for National Development”, as a platform that brought together captains of industries, heads of security agencies, traditional and religious leaders to share ideas, expertise and experiences with a focus on enhancing digital skills as strategy to combat cybercrime.

He also emphasised the urgent need to address the growing menace of cybercrime in Nigeria, while proposing alternative paths for Nigeria’s youth and strategies to fortify national cyber resilience.

NITDA identifies major dimensions of cybercriminality

The complexities of cybercrime, he stated, is no longer restricted to laptops and desktops but extends to mobile devices, smart TVs, cars, and more, as everything becomes interconnected through technology.

Inuwa outlined five major categories of cybercrime identified by research which are; technical products or services attacks, attacks and extortion, data or identity theft, Scam and Cashing Out or Money Laundering and stated that the financial sector remains the most vulnerable in Africa, with over 3,300 cyberattacks reported weekly.

Stressing that cybercrime is a global issue that affects every facet of the digital economy, particularly in Nigeria, the NITDA Chief Executive said: “We are confronted with an urgent reality, Nigeria, a nation with a rich culture, talent and limitless potential is unfortunately grappling with the global menace of cybercrime but today, we are going to look at alternatives to cybercrime.”

What government, other stakeholders should do in tackling cybercrimes

As regards the underlying factors that trigger cybercrimes, such as unemployment, financial incentives and lack of awareness of the legal and moral implications, Inuwa advocated a more holistic approach to combating cybercrime, not only through law enforcement but also by offering viable alternatives to those tempted by illegal online activities.

He noted: “We need to look at alternatives to cybercrime and the government must focus on digital literacy, skills development, and job creation to steer young Nigerians away from cybercriminality.”

The Director-General as well restated the importance of providing positive alternatives for Nigerian youth, stressing the potential of the digital economy to create millions of jobs and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP.

The highlight of the event witnessed Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, Nigerian First Lady, launching the EFCC Rapid Response Centre, a response desk against cybercrime that can be accessed at any time of the day.

Other dignitaries present at the event were the Chairman of the Nigeria Governor’s Forum and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, the Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda, Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III.

Others include Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, the Ooni of Ife, represented by the Alara of Ilara, Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, the President, Christian Association of Nigeria, Dr. Daniel Okoh, and several others.

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