NSA Ribadu Orders Strict Enforcement of Cybercrimes Law
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has ordered the full enforcement of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, to prevent terrorists from exploiting social media.
In a statement by Zakari Mijinyawa, the Head of Strategic Communications at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Ribadu also instructed the activation of the National Cybersecurity Fund by all regulators and businesses listed in the second schedule of the Act.
The statement indicated that African leaders, following a two-day high-level international counter-terrorism meeting in Abuja from April 22-23, urged the deployment of greater support and resources to strengthen cybersecurity activities in Africa. These leaders stressed the importance of taking concrete steps to prevent terrorists and organized criminal groups from using social media and other platforms.
"In light of the need to secure Nigeria’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), counter terrorism and violent extremism, enhance national security, and protect economic interests, this notice calls for the full implementation of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Amendment Act, 2024, including the activation of the National Cybersecurity Fund by all regulators and businesses specified in the second schedule of the Act," Ribadu stated.
It should be noted that on July 6, 2022, Nigeria joined 66 other countries in signing and ratifying the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime, which aims to enhance international cooperation, provide a common platform, and offer procedural tools for efficient and safe cyberspace. This action aligns with Section 41(2)(a) of the Cybercrime Act, 2015, which requires Nigerian cybercrime and cybersecurity laws and policies to conform to regional and international standards.
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