Why Nigeria should modernise national strategy on cyber security – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has called for the modernisation of the national strategy on cyber security on Tuesday in Abuja.

The President stressed on exploring the internet for economic growth opportunities, development of knowledge and crime mitigation.

“I urge the National Security Adviser to continue to coordinate the efforts of all stakeholders to ensure that our Internet and cyberspace are used for the enhancement of national security and economic progression,” the President disclosed at the launch of the National Cyber security Policy and Strategy (NCPS) 2021.

“I am confident that, together, we can pave the way for the creation of new opportunities to usher Nigeria into a bright future driven by a prosperous cyberspace and digital economy.”

The President said that the Federal Government had taken some significant policy decisions to improve penetration of the internet in the everyday lives of citizens, especially for the useful purpose.

It has launched National Broadband Plan 2020 – 2025 in March 2020, National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020 – 2030, National Identity Program, Treasury Single Account and Bank Verification Number schemes.

Furthermore, he said that the internet and social media have experienced a surge for propagation of hate speech, fake news, rebellious and treasonable messages, also the risks of breaches to personal information and government sensitive data.

President Buhari declared that the Federal Government had been proactive, in recent years, about finding ways to guarantee continuous use of the internet and cyberspace.

As indicated by the President, the National Cyber security Policy and Strategy 2021 will offer us the required platform to efficiently confront the dynamic nature of threats in our cyberspace.

“The document will also provide the framework that would enable us to harness 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, digital skills acquisition and indigenous technology production, thereby creating job opportunities for our youth and supporting our resolve to alleviate poverty and boost our economy.”

Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), the National Security Adviser, in his comments at the event, said there has been a surge in internet use, particularly during the COVID-19 lockdown worldwide, with increase in crime, irregular migration and threats to border security.

The NSA disclosed that many platforms which include, banking, communication and military had come under more threat, with personal information effortlessly manipulated and explored, requiring a review of the 2014 National Cyber security Policy and Strategy (NCPS).

He stated that the reviewed document will work towards reducing the “suffocating presence and unpredictable threats” of cybercrimes.