From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) has called on law enforcement agencies in the country to put strategies in place to commence the enforcement of the Cybercrime Prohibition Act.
ONSA Head of Strategic Communication, Zakari Mijinyawa, who made this known, said the enforcement is aimed at securing Nigeria’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), counter terrorism and violent extremism, strengthen national security and protect economic interests.
Minjiyawa, in a statement, noted: “Recall that on 6 July 2022 Nigeria joined 66 other countries that have signed and ratified the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime to enhance international cooperation, provide common platform and procedural tools for efficient and safe cyberspace pursuant to section 41(2) (a) of the Cybercrime Act 2015 requiring conformity of Nigerian cybercrime and cyber-security laws and policies with regional and international standards.
“This is further emphasised by one of the resolutions reached during the High Level African International Counter Terrorism Meeting which held in Abuja between 22 and 23 April 2024. “The resolution called for the improved deployment of greater support and resources towards strengthening cyber-security activities in Africa and taking concrete steps to prevent the use of social media and other platforms by terrorists and organised criminal groups.
“In view of the need to secure Nigeria’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), counter terrorism and violent extremism, strengthen national security and protect economic interests, this notice calls for the full implementation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Amendment Act 2024, including the operationalisation of the National Cybersecurity Fund by all regulators and businesses specified in the second schedule of the Act.”