CSEAN Urges NSA to Begin Implementation of Cybersecurity Policy

Emma Okonji

The President of the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN), Mr. Ade Shoyinka has urged the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) to begin the implementation of the National Cyber security Policy and Strategy (NCPS) of 2021, which he said, was long overdue, considering that the initial document was introduced in 2015.

Shoyinka who expressed his appreciation for the efforts made by the National Security Adviser (NSA) in reviewing the National Cyber security Policy and Strategy (NCPS) 2021, however pointed out that the implementation of documents was long overdue.

Shoyinka who spoke in a separate interview during the Cyber Secure Nigeria 2023 Conference held in Abuja, emphasised the significance of establishing the National Cyber security Coordination Centre (NCCC), as outlined in the Policy and Strategy documents, reiterating that Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 empowers ONSA to provide oversight to the establishment of the National Cyber Security Coordination Centre to ensure implementation of Nigeria’s national cyber security programme.

He advised that the NCCC must be become fully operational and led by a proactive cyber security industry leader in order for Nigeria’s national cyber security program to effectively address the evolving global threat landscape. Shoyinka’s statement underscores the critical nature of national cyber security and the need to prioritise it above political considerations. He insists that cyber attacks are real and constantly evolving threats that should not be subject to partisan politics or bureaucratic processes.

Shoyinka is of the view that the consequences of cyber attacks can be severe, causing damage to critical infrastructure, economic loss, and compromising the privacy and security of individuals and organisations. He urges policymakers and relevant stakeholders to take cyber security seriously and prioritise its effective implementation.

Shoyinka advocates for the empowerment of the NCCC to fulfill its responsibilities, including establishing regional offices and supporting state governments in implementing their own cyber security programs, as outlined in the Strategy and Policy documents.