By Chinenye Anuforo
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 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 be become fully operational and led by a proactive cyber security industry leader in order for Nigeria’s national cyber security program 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 emphasizes that cyber attacks are real and constantly evolving threats that should not be subject to partisan politics or bureaucratic processes.
Ade Shoyinka’s statement serves as a reminder 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 organizations. He urges policymakers and relevant stakeholders to take cyber security seriously and prioritize its effective implementation. By emphasizing the urgency of addressing cyber threats and avoiding political gamesmanship, Shoyinka highlights the importance of a proactive and coordinated approach to cyber security at the national level.
Furthermore, Shoyinka advocated for empowering the NCCC to fulfill its responsibilities, including establishing regional offices and supporting state governments in implementing their own cyber security programs, as outlined in the Strategy and Policy documents.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for signing the Data Protection Bill into law, describing it as a commendable step in the right direction. He believes that the full implementation of the act will strengthen Nigeria’s cyber space data protection and improve data management practices. Additionally, he congratulates and urges 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.
Shoyinka assured that CSEAN will continue to engage and support relevant stakeholders in the pursuit of Nigeria’s National Cyber security Program.