Pantami Urges Nigerians to Inculcate Healthy Practices on Cyberspace

As the world marks the Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), minister of Communications and Digital Economy, has called on Nigerians to embrace healthy practices on Cyberspace.

Pantami disclosed this in a statement released on Wednesday by Dr Femi Adeluyi, Technical Assistant (Information Technology).

According to him, “Cybersecurity awareness has become imperative due to the attendant risks that emanate from the appreciable migration of several transactions, meetings, lectures and other forms of interaction to online and digital platforms due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The importance of cybersecurity awareness is emphasized in Pillar #6 (Soft Infrastructure) of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) for a Digital Nigeria. The Soft Infrastructure pillar aims to ensure that Nigerians are secure online.

“Furthermore, Section 106(1(c)) of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 states the role of the Nigerian Communications Commission in the protection of consumer information.

“Similarly, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) Act 2007 Section 6(l) states the role of NITDA in promoting the development of information technology to enhance national security.

“The Nigeria National Cybersecurity Framework also prescribes guidance for public and private sector organizations for instituting measures for enshrining cybersecurity culture and enthrone cyber-resiliency in Nigeria”.

He added that Cybersecurity is essentially about awareness and that he has directed parastatals under the purview of the Ministry- NCC, NITDA, NIMC, Galaxy Backbone and NigComSat- to embark on a nationwide Cybersecurity Awareness Programme.

According to him, “This 31-day awareness drive, throughout the month of October, will enable Nigerians obtain the knowledge required to embrace the digital economy and its many benefits, while protecting themselves against the tactics of cybercriminals.

The Honourable Minister urged everyone to be extra-cautious and reinforce security measures while interacting online, especially when it involves sensitive information.

He also stated that they are committed to keeping Nigerians safe online and wishes citizens a successful Cybersecurity Awareness Month.