IGP assures enhanced cybersecurity to boost Nigeria’s economic development 

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, on Thursday, reassured the public of enhanced cybersecurity that would boost the Nigeria’s economic development 

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Force Public Relations (FPRO), DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.

According to the statement, the Police boss restated this while receiving in audience the Special Assistant to the President on ICT Development and Digital Innovation, Mr. Tokoni Peter Igoin, alongside a delegation of leading figures in Nigeria’s financial technology sector, who paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja. 

‎”The Inspector-General of Police expressed delight at the fintech sector’s demonstrated commitment to working closely with the Force in safeguarding both physical and digital frontiers. 

“He noted that securing financial technology platforms was central to protecting citizens, businesses, and the broader economic stability of the nation.

“The IGP further emphasized that with sustained collaboration, the deployment of advanced technological tools and resources by fintech companies would greatly enhance the Force’s capacity to combat cybercrime and effectively respond to emerging security threats within Nigeria’s digital space.”

The statement further explained that the visit focused on strengthening collaboration between the Force and the fintech industry in combating cybercrime and enhancing national cybersecurity. 

‎According to the Force PRO, the delegates, including top executives from PalmPay, OPay, and TrikaHealth, pledged their full support for the IGP’s vision of leveraging Artificial Intelligence and other innovations to boost policing operations and secure Nigeria’s digital space. 

“The team highlighted ongoing collaborations, particularly the development of a modern NPF National Cybercrime Centre in Bayelsa State, which is ready for commissioning. 

“This is in furtherance to the IGP’s directive on decentralizing the NPF National Cybercrime Centre to effectively tackle cybercrimes and protect the fintech industry as well as financial institutions across the states of the federation. 

‎”The group commended the Nigeria Police for creating an enabling environment for the growth and sustainability of the fintech sector, emphasising that the IGP’s leadership has fostered a stronger synergy between security agencies and key economic drivers. 

“They also noted that the progressive policies and openness to innovation under his administration have not only enhanced investor confidence but also provided a platform for responsible technological advancement.”

‎The statement added that in a related development, the IGP also played host to Ph.D. holders and postgraduate researchers of the Centre for Peace and Security Studies Alumni Association, Al Hikmah University, Ilorin, Kwara State.

According to the FPRO, “the consortium of researchers, who were colleagues of the IGP at postgraduate school, comprised Barr. Jacob Ayanda, Lt. Col. Ahmed Bello, Abiodun Ayodele, Adeniji Atinuke, Christiana Abayomi-Oluwole, Atolage Mikail, and Fatiu Raji Gboyega. 

The visitors, the statement said, lauded the IGP for his remarkable strides in peace and security, particularly in community policing, crime reduction, technological advancement, and police–community relations initiatives, and expressed eagerness to collaborate intellectually in deepening strategies and policies for effective policing and national security.

In his remarks, the  Police boss assured them of the Force’s commitment to sustaining impactful and enduring collaborations that would strengthen public trust and enhance the nation’s security architecture. 

The statement from the FPRO added that the IGP further affirmed that the Nigeria Police Force remained open to engaging with all relevant stakeholders, including members of the academia, for intellectual collaborations that align with the reformative agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,  towards achieving a stable and secure Nigeria.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE