Buhari To NSA: Coordinate Cyber Security Strategy For National Socioeconomic Advantage

..Unveils Cyber Security Strategy

President Muhammadu Buhari has instructed a proper coordination
of the national strategy on cyber security, with a new approach
focusing on exploring the internet for economic growth
opportunities, enhancement of knowledge and mitigation of
crime.

The President, who spoke on Monday at the launch of the National
Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (NCPS) 2021, held at the Aso Rock
Presidential Villa Abuja, also observed that the growth and
development of the internet has caused a rise in the threats posed
by cyber criminals, online financial fraudsters and cyber
terrorists who he said are causing apprehension in the country.

The president said Nigeria is blessed with a young and vibrant
population, which has the potential to exploit the benefits of the
current internet revolution to enhance the nation’s economic
progression and improve our national security.

“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.

“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,” he
said.

He added that the country is also witnessing a rapid surge in
its adoption of the internet and social media for almost all
aspects of its daily life, and therefore, the internet or
cyberspace is now central and indispensable to our national
development.

The president said that is why over the past couple of years,
his administration has focused its efforts on several Information
and Communications Technology (ICT) driven initiatives.

According to him, some of these include; the National Broadband
Plan (NBP) 2020 – 2025 launched in March 2020 to increase Internet
broadband penetration across Nigeria, the National Digital Economy
Policy and Strategy 2020 – 2030, the National Identity Program,
Treasury Single Account (TSA) and Bank Verification Number (BVN)
schemes, amongst others.

Buhari explained that all these initiatives serve as enablers
for tackling the myriad of economic and security challenges facing
the country while also providing it with the platform to improve
accountability and transparency in our unwavering resolve to tackle
corruption.

He added: “However, like several other countries across the
globe, the growth and development of the Internet is accompanied by
significant problems.

“We are witnessing a rise in threats posed by cybercriminals,
online financial fraudsters and cyber terrorists who use the
Internet to cause apprehension.

“We are also observing a surge in the use of the Internet and
social media for propagation of hate speech, fake news and
seditious messages, as well as the risks of breaches to personal
information and government sensitive data. It is almost impossible
to overstate the challenges.

“Some 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 widened the scope and
diversification of these cyber threats.

“In October 2020, we all witnessed an escalation in the use of
the social media for dissemination of subversive messages and
incitement of violence which played a part in heightening tensions,
causing unrest and spurring widespread acts of looting and
destruction across the country.

“Therefore, in a bid to ensure that we effectively embrace and
harness the benefits of the digital revolution while effectively
combating the heightening risks of cyber threats, the Federal
Government of Nigeria has been proactive, over the past couple of
years, in taking steps to ensure progressive use of our Internet
and cyberspace.

“In 2014, we developed our maiden National Cybersecurity Policy
and Strategy to provide us with the necessary roadmap for the
realisation of our national cybersecurity programme. This national
effort paved way for Nigeria to reach numerous cybersecurity
milestones over the past 6 years.

“Therefore, in order to build on this achievement and reposition
ourselves for enhanced engagement in cyberspace, it became
expedient to review the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy
2014 and develop a comprehensive National Cybersecurity Policy and
Strategy 2021 for the common good of the country.

“The National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy 2021 will
provide us with the necessary platform to effectively confront the
dynamic nature of threats in our cyberspace. The document will also
provide the framework that would enable us 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
youths and supporting our resolve to alleviate poverty and boost
our economy.”

President Buhari noted that the National Cybersecurity Policy
and Strategy 2021 signifies the rejuvenation and renewal of his
promise and commitment to Nigeria’s national security and economic
prosperity and it ensures that Nigeria’s National Cybersecurity
Programme is prioritized among other national exigencies in my
administration.

“I therefore unveil the National Cybersecurity Policy and
Strategy 2021 as the overarching policy and strategy framework for
driving Nigeria’s cybersecurity efforts towards the attainment of
our national objectives,” he declared.

In his remarks at the event, the National Security Adviser, Maj.
Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), said there had been a surge in the use
of the internet, especially during the COVID-19 lockdown around the
world, with increasing waves of crimes, irregular migration and
threats to border security.

The NSA noted that many platforms including banking,
communication and military had come under more threat, with
personal information easily distorted and explored, necessitating a
review of the 2014 National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy
(NCPS).

He said the reviewed document will work towards mitigating the
“suffocating presence and unpredictable threats’’ of
cybercrimes.

Speaking to the State House Correspondents after the launch, the
Chairman of NCPS 2021 Review Committee, Abdul-Hakeem Ajijola, the
document was just launched was the output of an in-depth, extensive
multi-stakeholder effort, which incorporates global trends and best
practice, as well as the peculiarities of our environment.

According to him, “through its 8 Pillars, the new policy and
strategy focuses on leveraging jobs creation opportunities in the
estimated $4.5 billion African Cybersecurity market; enhancing
Federal Government anticorruption capacity by addressing new
virtual assets that aid money laundering; and deploying new tools
that deny terrorists propaganda platforms and improve the capacity
of security agencies to bring criminals to justice.

“The document caters for the cybersecurity needs of all
socio-economic strata including Malam Mai Shai, Mama Okpa, Mama
Alakara and the roadside vulcaniser who now rely more on digital
services, as well as our young innovators, technocrats, and
ultra-high decision makers.

“In addition, we considered imminent digital threats to our
sovereignty, economy, governance and security like digital
currencies, abuse of social media, disruptive outer-space platforms
and evolving global cyber-norms amongst others,” he said.

..Unveils Cyber Security Strategy

President Muhammadu Buhari has instructed a proper coordination
of the national strategy on cyber security, with a new approach
focusing on exploring the internet for economic growth
opportunities, enhancement of knowledge and mitigation of
crime.

The President, who spoke on Monday at the launch of the National
Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (NCPS) 2021, held at the Aso Rock
Presidential Villa Abuja, also observed that the growth and
development of the internet has caused a rise in the threats posed
by cyber criminals, online financial fraudsters and cyber
terrorists who he said are causing apprehension in the country.

The president said Nigeria is blessed with a young and vibrant
population, which has the potential to exploit the benefits of the
current internet revolution to enhance the nation’s economic
progression and improve our national security.

“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.

“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,” he
said.

He added that the country is also witnessing a rapid surge in
its adoption of the internet and social media for almost all
aspects of its daily life, and therefore, the internet or
cyberspace is now central and indispensable to our national
development.

The president said that is why over the past couple of years,
his administration has focused its efforts on several Information
and Communications Technology (ICT) driven initiatives.

According to him, some of these include; the National Broadband
Plan (NBP) 2020 – 2025 launched in March 2020 to increase Internet
broadband penetration across Nigeria, the National Digital Economy
Policy and Strategy 2020 – 2030, the National Identity Program,
Treasury Single Account (TSA) and Bank Verification Number (BVN)
schemes, amongst others.

Buhari explained that all these initiatives serve as enablers
for tackling the myriad of economic and security challenges facing
the country while also providing it with the platform to improve
accountability and transparency in our unwavering resolve to tackle
corruption.

He added: “However, like several other countries across the
globe, the growth and development of the Internet is accompanied by
significant problems.

“We are witnessing a rise in threats posed by cybercriminals,
online financial fraudsters and cyber terrorists who use the
Internet to cause apprehension.

“We are also observing a surge in the use of the Internet and
social media for propagation of hate speech, fake news and
seditious messages, as well as the risks of breaches to personal
information and government sensitive data. It is almost impossible
to overstate the challenges.

“Some 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 widened the scope and
diversification of these cyber threats.

“In October 2020, we all witnessed an escalation in the use of
the social media for dissemination of subversive messages and
incitement of violence which played a part in heightening tensions,
causing unrest and spurring widespread acts of looting and
destruction across the country.

“Therefore, in a bid to ensure that we effectively embrace and
harness the benefits of the digital revolution while effectively
combating the heightening risks of cyber threats, the Federal
Government of Nigeria has been proactive, over the past couple of
years, in taking steps to ensure progressive use of our Internet
and cyberspace.

“In 2014, we developed our maiden National Cybersecurity Policy
and Strategy to provide us with the necessary roadmap for the
realisation of our national cybersecurity programme. This national
effort paved way for Nigeria to reach numerous cybersecurity
milestones over the past 6 years.

“Therefore, in order to build on this achievement and reposition
ourselves for enhanced engagement in cyberspace, it became
expedient to review the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy
2014 and develop a comprehensive National Cybersecurity Policy and
Strategy 2021 for the common good of the country.

“The National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy 2021 will
provide us with the necessary platform to effectively confront the
dynamic nature of threats in our cyberspace. The document will also
provide the framework that would enable us 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
youths and supporting our resolve to alleviate poverty and boost
our economy.”

President Buhari noted that the National Cybersecurity Policy
and Strategy 2021 signifies the rejuvenation and renewal of his
promise and commitment to Nigeria’s national security and economic
prosperity and it ensures that Nigeria’s National Cybersecurity
Programme is prioritized among other national exigencies in my
administration.

“I therefore unveil the National Cybersecurity Policy and
Strategy 2021 as the overarching policy and strategy framework for
driving Nigeria’s cybersecurity efforts towards the attainment of
our national objectives,” he declared.

In his remarks at the event, the National Security Adviser, Maj.
Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), said there had been a surge in the use
of the internet, especially during the COVID-19 lockdown around the
world, with increasing waves of crimes, irregular migration and
threats to border security.

The NSA noted that many platforms including banking,
communication and military had come under more threat, with
personal information easily distorted and explored, necessitating a
review of the 2014 National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy
(NCPS).

He said the reviewed document will work towards mitigating the
“suffocating presence and unpredictable threats’’ of
cybercrimes.

Speaking to the State House Correspondents after the launch, the
Chairman of NCPS 2021 Review Committee, Abdul-Hakeem Ajijola, the
document was just launched was the output of an in-depth, extensive
multi-stakeholder effort, which incorporates global trends and best
practice, as well as the peculiarities of our environment.

According to him, “through its 8 Pillars, the new policy and
strategy focuses on leveraging jobs creation opportunities in the
estimated $4.5 billion African Cybersecurity market; enhancing
Federal Government anticorruption capacity by addressing new
virtual assets that aid money laundering; and deploying new tools
that deny terrorists propaganda platforms and improve the capacity
of security agencies to bring criminals to justice.

“The document caters for the cybersecurity needs of all
socio-economic strata including Malam Mai Shai, Mama Okpa, Mama
Alakara and the roadside vulcaniser who now rely more on digital
services, as well as our young innovators, technocrats, and
ultra-high decision makers.

“In addition, we considered imminent digital threats to our
sovereignty, economy, governance and security like digital
currencies, abuse of social media, disruptive outer-space platforms
and evolving global cyber-norms amongst others,” he said.