LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) issued a directive yesterday aimed at safeguarding Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).Â
In the directive, ONSA instructed all law enforcement agencies, regulators, businesses, and stakeholders to implement mechanisms for the comprehensive enforcement of the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act.
This was announced in a press briefing held in Abuja.
Head of Strategic Communications at ONSA, Mr. Zakari Mijinyawa, emphasized that the directive is crucial for countering terrorism, violent extremism, and bolstering national security while safeguarding economic interests.
Mijinyawa said it is a crucial measure aimed at stopping the utilization of social media and other platforms by terrorists and organized criminal groups.
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He noted that Nigeria’s commitment to combating cybercrime was underscored by its participation in the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, alongside 66 other nations, back in 2022.
The convention aims to enhance international cooperation and provide a unified framework for navigating cyberspace challenges and give tools for a safer internet.
Mijinyawa highlighted that the directive aligns with Section 41(2)(a) of the Cybercrime Act 2015, which calls for Nigerian cybercrime and cybersecurity laws to align with regional and international standards.
He added that African leaders had emphasized the critical importance of enhancing support and resources for cybersecurity efforts across Africa.
The ONSA director noted that this measure aligns with the agreement reached at the recent High-Level African International Counter-Terrorism Meeting in Abuja.
Mijinyawa also mentioned that more resources would be allocated to combat terrorism and violent extremism, as outlined in section 44(5) of the Cybercrimes Act.