The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has ordered the immediate full implementation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition Prevention Etc) Amendment Act 2024 with a view to strengthening counter-terrorism in the country.
This directive was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by Mr. Zakaria U. Mijinyawa, Head of Strategic Communication at the Office of the National Security Adviser.
The statement directs all law enforcement agencies, regulators, businesses, and stakeholders to put in place mechanisms for the full enforcement of the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act.
According to it, the directive would also counter terrorism and violent extremism, strengthen national security, and protect economic interests in the country.
The statement reads: “Recall that on 6 July 2022, Nigeria joined 66 other countries that have signed and ratified the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime to enhance international cooperation, provide a common platform, and procedural tools for efficient and safe cyberspace pursuant to section 41(2)(a) of the Cybercrime Act 2015, requiring conformity of Nigerian cybercrime and cybersecurity laws and policies with regional and international standards.
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“This is further emphasized by one of the resolutions reached during the High-Level African International Counter-Terrorism Meeting, which was held in Abuja between 22 and 23 April 2024.
“The resolution called for the improved deployment of greater support and resources toward strengthening cybersecurity activities in Africa and taking concrete steps to prevent the use of social media and other platforms by terrorists and organized criminal groups.
“In view of the need to secure Nigeria’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), counter terrorism and violent extremism, strengthen national security, and protect economic interests, this notice calls for the full implementation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc) Amendment Act 2024, including the operationalization of the National Cybersecurity Fund by all regulators and businesses specified in the second schedule of the Act.
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