The National Security Adviser, Major General Babagana Monguno (retd.), has inaugurated a committee to review the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy 2014, to check internet threats and enhance national security.
The policy has a provision that it should be reviewed every five years according to global standards, and it is due for its first review after it was implemented in 2014.
The committee is expected to present the new policy next month for validation after which the NSA will formally present it to the President Muhammadu Buhari, for its launch.
A statement on Tuesday, from the Office of National Security Adviser, said the review was part of efforts to reposition the country to better exploit the benefits of the Internet and cyber domain to enhance national peace, security, and socioeconomic wellbeing.
While performing the inauguration in his office in Abuja, the NSA noted that recent advancements in the digital era have transformed the cyber domain to a centre stage for new businesses, innovations, government functionalities, and social interactions.
He, however, highlighted that despite the benefits of the cyber domain, there are inherent threats and risks associated with the evolving nature of cyberspace.
Monguno, therefore, stressed that it is crucial for the Nigerian cyberspace and entire cyber ecosystem to undergo major periodic reforms to set new clear directions for progressive use of the country’s cyberspace.
He said, “This committee was constituted to identify the current gaps in the National Cybersecurity Strategy and Policy 2014, articulate the various inputs of stakeholders and develop necessary frameworks to effectively mitigate evolving cyber threats and enhance Nigeria’s productive engagements in cyberspace.”
The NSA expressed optimism that the NCSP 2020 would reflect global norms as well as foster cooperation with Nigeria’s allies in the areas of security and economic development.
He urged the committee members comprising representatives from the public and private sectors, to adhere to the timelines and guidelines laid out for the review process.
Chairman of the review committee, Abdul-Hakeem Ajijola, said this year, the African cybersecurity solutions market is estimated at $2.32 billion and projected to grow to about $4.2 billion by 2023.
“We must factor in the under-served and unborn because they must live with the effects of the policies and strategic decisions that we make today,” he noted.
