The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, reveals that the Federal Government is taking steps to amend the 2015 Cybercrimes Act.
He revealed this at a conference organized by the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN) in Abuja.
Dr. Bala Fakandu, representing Ribadu, emphasizes the need to address cybersecurity challenges to achieve sustainable development goals.
Ribadu acknowledges the use of emerging technologies by cybercriminals.
The NSA said,” it is worthy to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of critical information systems because cybersecurity is an enabler for a better and more sustainable future.
“As we embrace the rapid evolution of technology, we must be mindful of new and exciting areas such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning and blockchain technologies that will continue to affect the future.
“This is bearing in mind that criminal elements are already exploiting new technologies to progress their illicit activities.
“Consequently, the FG is currently making efforts to amend the Cybercrimes Act 2015 and the issue of AI and virtual assets are amongst several critical inputs from stakeholders being considered.”
FG to amend the Cybercrimes Act
The Federal Government is taking steps to amend the 2015 Cybercrimes Act to enhance cybersecurity incident management.
Ribadu also highlighted the importance of protecting Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) for national development.
He said the CNII is awaiting President Tinubu’s assent, aims to boost economic prosperity and national security.
According to him, Continuous cybersecurity awareness is essential in the face of increasing cyber threats from state and non-state actors.
“Nigeria has made strides in cybersecurity through international cooperation, positioning itself as a trusted player globally.
“Non-state cybercrime poses a threat to Nigeria’s achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
“Technology and cybersecurity are integral to attaining the SDGs, and cybercriminal activities hinder progress.
“Governments, private sectors, and civil society must unite to combat cyber threats and protect national interests.
Stakeholders remarks
Ade Shoyinka, President of CSEAN, warns that the unchecked cybercrime activities by non-state actors pose a threat to Nigeria’s SDGs.
With 17 goals and 169 targets, Shoyinka emphasizes the crucial role of technology and cybersecurity in achieving the SDGs.
He expresses concern over the widespread activities of cybercriminals, which harm economies and openly offer cybercrime services.
Shoynika said: “The availability of cryptocurrency has also made it easier to conduct transactions anonymously, further fuelling the growth of Ransomware as a service.
“One of such is Genesis Marketplace, available both on the dark web and the public internet; this is like selling a banned substance in a supermarket.
“This service provides an avenue for attackers to buy digital fingerprints, making it possible for entry-level cybercriminals to purchase malware, malware deployment services and sell stolen credentials and other data in bulk.
“The bad actors will continue to undermine our ability to achieve the SDGs, considering the significance of cybercrime in relation to achieving the SDGs, the greater our chances of countering the efforts of bad actors who seek to hinder our progress.’’
The President of CSEAN urges governments, private sectors, and civil society groups to collaborate in fighting cyber threats.
The British High Commissioner, represented by Ms Magdalene Lagu, emphasizes constructive engagement and capacity-building efforts in Nigeria.
“We work hard to see a wide range of cyber stakeholders’ engagement across the private sector, civil society to retain a true understanding of Nigeria’s cyber ecosystem and ensure to support Nigeria against cybercrime,’’ he said.
The conference included various activities such as technical sessions, a hackathon, and the presentation of a research report on cyber threats in Nigeria in 2022.