'Nigeria’s Cyberspace Must Focus On National Security' – President Buhari

Buhari said more emphasis should be placed on exploring the internet for economic growth opportunities, enhancement of knowledge and mitigation of crime.

'Nigeria’s Cyberspace Must Focus On National Security' – President Buhari
President Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday called for a renovation of the national strategy on cybersecurity.

Buhari said more emphasis should be placed on exploring the internet for economic growth opportunities, enhancement of knowledge and mitigation of crime.

The President spoke at the launch of the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (NCPS) 2021 in Abuja, details of which is contained in a statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu.

Buhari stated: “I urge the National Security Adviser to continue to coordinate the efforts of all stakeholders to ensure that our Internet and cyberspace are used for the enhancement of national security and economic progression.

''I am confident that, together, we can pave the way for the creation of new opportunities to usher Nigeria into a bright future driven by a prosperous cyberspace and digital economy.’’

The President noted that the Federal Government had taken some major policy decisions to increase penetration of the internet in the daily lives of citizens, particularly for the utilitarian purpose, with the launch of the National Broadband Plan 2020 – 2025 in March 2020; National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020 – 2030; National Identity Program, Treasury Single Account and Bank Verification Number schemes.

He noted: ''All these initiatives serve as enablers for tackling many of the economic and security challenges facing our country while also providing us with the platform to improve accountability and transparency in our unwavering resolve to tackle corruption.

''However, like many other countries across the globe, the growth and development of the internet is accompanied by significant problems. We are witnessing a rise in threats posed by cybercriminals, online financial fraudsters and cyber terrorists who use the internet to cause apprehension.''

He added that the internet and social media have witnessed a surge in the propagation of hate speech, fake news, seditious and treasonable messages, as well as the risks of breaches to personal information and government sensitive data.