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* Said the internet should be used for national security, economic progress
By Johnbosco Agbakwuru
ABUJA-PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari tasked NSA National Security Advisor Babagana Monguno to continue to coordinate the efforts of all stakeholders to ensure that the Internet and cyberspace are used for strengthening national security and the country’s economic progress.
It was as he called it for an overhaul of the national cybersecurity strategy, with greater emphasis on exploring the Internet for opportunities for economic growth, improving knowledge and mitigating crime.
The president, who according to a statement on Tuesday evening from his special advisor on media and advertising, Femi Adesina, spoke at the launch of the National Cyber Security Policy and Strategy (NCPS) 2021, expressed his optimism that “Together, we can pave the way for creating new opportunities to propel Nigeria into a bright future of a prosperous cyberspace and digital economy. ”
“I urge the national security adviser to continue to coordinate the efforts of all stakeholders to ensure that our internet and cyberspace are used to enhance national security and economic advancement,” the president said during the launch of the national cybersecurity policy and strategy. (NCPS) 2021.
“I am confident that together we can pave the way for creating new opportunities to propel Nigeria into a bright future driven by a prosperous cyberspace and digital economy,” the president said in the statement.
According to the statement, “The president noted that the federal government has taken major policy decisions to increase the penetration of the Internet into the daily lives of citizens, especially for utilitarian purposes, with the launch of the National Broadband Plan 2020 -2025 in March 2020.; National policy and strategy on the digital economy 2020-2030; National Identity Program, Treasury Single Account and Bank Verification Number Systems. “
“All of these initiatives serve as catalysts to address many of the economic and security challenges facing our country, while providing us with the platform to enhance accountability and transparency in our unwavering determination to fight corruption.
“However, like many other countries around the world, the growth and development of the Internet comes with significant challenges. We are seeing an increase in threats posed by cybercriminals, online financial fraudsters and cyber terrorists who use the internet to provoke apprehension, ” the president said.
He added that the internet and social media had seen a wave of the spread of hate speech, fake news, seditious and treacherous messages, as well as risks of breaches of personal information and sensitive government data.
“It’s almost impossible to overstate the challenges. Certain global events such as the rapid emergence of new technologies, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the advent of 5G technology, have further broadened the scope and diversification of these cyber threats.
“ In October 2020, we all saw an escalation in the use of social media for spreading subversive messages and inciting violence which helped to escalate tensions, cause unrest and trigger acts of widespread looting and destruction across the country. ”
President Buhari said the federal government has been proactive over the past two years in taking steps to ensure progressive use of the Internet and cyberspace.
“In 2014, the first national cybersecurity policy and strategy was developed to provide the roadmap necessary to achieve our national cybersecurity agenda. This national effort has helped Nigeria achieve many cybersecurity milestones over the past six years.
“Therefore, in order to build on this achievement and reposition ourselves for increased engagement in cyberspace, it has become timely to review the 2014 National Cyber Security Policy and Strategy and develop a National Cyber Security Policy and Strategy. 2021 complete for the common good of our country. ‘
According to the President, the National Cyber Security Policy and Strategy 2021 will provide us with the necessary platform to effectively address the dynamic nature of threats in our cyberspace.
“The document will also provide the framework for us to mobilize the efforts of our private sector, academia and industry towards progressive economic and national development.”
“To this end, the document will provide the platform for technical education, the acquisition of digital skills and the production of indigenous technologies, thereby creating employment opportunities for our young people and supporting our determination to reduce poverty and to stimulate our economy. ”
In his remarks at the event, National Security Advisor Major General Babagana Monguno (rtd) said there had been an increase in internet use, especially during the COVID lockdown -19 around the world, with increasing waves of crime, irregular migration and threats to border security.
The NSA noted that many platforms, including banking, communications and the military, were at greater risk, with personal information easily distorted and explored, requiring a review of the National Cyber Security Policy and Strategy (NCPS) from 2014.
He said the document under review will work to mitigate the “suffocating presence and unpredictable threats” of cybercrime.
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