A call to action
In the face of escalating cyber threats, the Whiteink Institute for Strategy Education and Research (WISER) has issued a clarion call to the Federal Government of Nigeria to prioritise the development of a skilled workforce capable of combating these digital dangers.
At a recent policy advisory thematic lecture organized by WISER in Abuja, a research report entitled: ‘Emerging Information Technology Trends and Effects on National Security’, was presented, outlining key recommendations to bolster Nigeria’s cybersecurity resilience. Lead Research Assistant, Ms. Azeeza Balogun, underscored the critical need for cyber security curricula to be implemented across various sectors to cultivate the requisite workforce.
“It is imperative that Nigeria invests in cyber-diplomacy to ensure African perspectives are represented in global cyber governance,” stated Balogun. She underlined the importance of raising awareness and leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) to proactively safeguard the nation’s digital infrastructure.
However, Balogun cautioned against overzealous measures, advocating for a balanced approach to securing the information space. She urged the government to engage in wide consultations to prevent the imposition of restrictive policies that could infringe on citizens’ rights or stifle civic space.
In alignment with these recommendations, Brig.-Gen. Saleh Bala (Rtd), President of WISER, highlighted the evolving nature of governance, shifting towards a human-centric paradigm. He stressed on the critical role of civil society in overseeing government actions and safeguarding civic liberties in the digital age.
Mr. Khalil Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), echoed the urgency of addressing cyber threats, amplifying the importance of informed decision-making and collaborative efforts. He commended WISER for its comprehensive approach to tackling cybersecurity challenges and underscored the significance of the report’s recommendations in shaping policy and promoting best practices.
As Nigeria grapples with the complexities of cyberspace, the call to action is clear: prioritise education, foster international collaboration, and safeguard citizens’ rights. By heeding these recommendations, Nigeria can build a resilient cybersecurity framework that protects both state and citizens in an increasingly digital world.
Nigeria’s digital future and cyber resilience
Amidst the evolving landscape of cyber threats, the compelling call to action for the Federal Government of Nigeria to prioritise the development of a skilled workforce capable of countering these digital challenges became necessary.
Balogun, as earlier noted in her paper, underscored this urgent need for the implementation of cybersecurity curricula across diverse sectors to cultivate a proficient workforce equipped to tackle cyber threats head-on.
“In addition to fostering technical expertise, Nigeria must also cultivate a cadre of cyber-diplomats to advocate for African perspectives in global cyber governance,” she said while stressing the importance of proactive awareness initiatives to position Nigeria strategically in leveraging AI for long-term advantage.
However, Balogun cautioned against hasty measures, urging the government to exercise caution in its approach to securing the digital realm. She underlined the necessity for wide consultations to prevent the imposition of restrictive policies that could curtail citizens’ rights or stifle civic space, highlighting the potential risks of “techno-authoritarianism.”
Furthermore, Balogun emphasised the imperative for Nigeria to engage in collaborative efforts with international partners to address its evolving information technology needs while adhering to global best practices. She emphasised the importance of proactive, predictive policies that protect individuals from online threats while aligning technological advancements with societal values.
In response to the increasing ubiquity of information technology among citizens, Balogun stressed the importance of proactive measures to safeguard both the state and citizens. She also stressed the crucial role of civil society in upholding fundamental rights and promoting responsible use of technology, calling for continued investment in the development of international laws and regulations that safeguard citizens’ rights in the digital age.
Source – https://globalsentinelng.com/nigerias-cybersecurity-landscape-a-call-to-action-in-the-age-of-ai/
