FG to inaugurate advisory council on cyber security

Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has said that the Federal Government will inaugurate a Presidential Advisory Council on cyber security that will be headed by the office of National Security Adviser (NSA). Osinbajo disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at a two-day conference by the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN) with the title […]

Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has said that the Federal Government will inaugurate a Presidential Advisory Council on cyber security that will be headed by the office of National Security Adviser (NSA).

Osinbajo disclosed this on Monday in Abuja at a two-day conference by the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN) with the title ‘Emerging Cyber Security Threats and Countermeasures’.

The Vice President who was represented by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Rule of Law, Mr. Akingbola Adeniran, noted that the council, which would include major stakeholders in the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector, as well as the Nigeria Technology Development Agency (NITDA), is expected to counsel the President on measures to protect national critical infrastructures and address cyber threats.    

“We have a cyber-crime act which came into law last year and one of the provisions establishes cyber-crime advisory council, which is to be headed by the NSA. I am happy to inform you that in the coming weeks, that council will be inaugurated under the chairmanship of the NSA,” Osinbanjo said.

He said terrorism could take several avenues to attack critical infrastructures in the country, adding that there was need for more partnership between the public and private sectors to secure the nation’s cyber space.

While noting that the Office of the NSA and NITDA has already setup emergency response teams in respect to cyber threats, he maintained that the sector is capable of creating jobs for the unemployed youths, especially with the right partnership.

In his remarks, CSEAN President, Remi Afon said the conference was to call government’s attention on the need to train Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on cyber security.

He advised government to create more awareness on impact of cyber-crime, adding that research and investment in cyber security are essential to responding to cyber threats.