Ribadu Reveals FG’s Plan To Amend Cybercrimes Act

The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has revealed the federal government is making efforts towards amending Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act 2015 to safeguard the nation’s cyberspace from increasing attacks by criminals.

This is even as the NSA said that building a sustainable cybersecurity system is critical to attaining the Sustainable Development 2030 Agenda.

Ribadu noted that the issue of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and virtual assets are amongst several other critical inputs from stakeholders that are being considered in the amendment process.

He disclosed this at the two-day 2023 Cyber Secure Nigeria Conference, organised by the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria in Abuja.

This year’s Conference theme is, “Cybersecurity: A Digital Transformative Tool in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals,“.

Ribadu, who was represented at the occasion by the Manager of Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team, Dr Bala Fakandu, maintained that the federal government considers cybersecurity incidence management and protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) as a vital component of national development.

“The Presidential Order on the Designation and Protection on CNII currently awaiting Mr Presidential assent will enhance Nigeria’s current efforts for progressive economic prosperity, national development and the attainment of its national security objectives,” he said.

According to him, this underscored the need for continuous cybersecurity awareness in the wake of increased cyber threats from both state and non-state actors.