Communications Minister tasks IT professionals on safety, security of Nigeria’s cyberspace

Information Technology professionals in Nigeria have been tasked to prioritise the safety and security of the country’s cyberspace.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy Dr. Isa Pantami gave the advise during the annual International Conference of the Nigeria Computer Society,  in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state, Southern Nigeria.

In his address titled: “The Imperatives of Cybersecurity for a Digital Economy,” Dr Pantami who addressed participants virtually, stated that the theme of this year’s conference- “Innovative Systems for a Digital Economy” was apt and in accord with the needs of a growing digital economy.

He however noted that priority and preference should be given to cybersecurity as the capacity and quality of solutions, particularly, indigenous solutions deployed to address existing or new problems must meet the minimum global requirements.

The Minister in a statement by his Spokeperson, Mrs Uwa Sulieman, emphasised that Digital Innovation and Digital Entrepreneurship are the building blocks of a successful indigenous Digital Economy.

“Such an economy will only thrive in a safe and secure cyberspace and this is why the Federal Government has instituted strategies and policies to ensure that Cybersecurity is given priority”.

Speaking on some of the initiatives of government, he explained that “The Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), a regulatory instrument established to protect the privacy and confidentiality of citizens, the National Cybersecurity Policy & Strategy and the Computer Emergency Response and Readiness Team (CERRT) are some of the initiatives put in place by government to ensure the success of a Digital Economy and a safe cyberspace,”.

While commending the Nigeria Computer Society for its consistency in organising the annual event, Dr. Pantami called for all hands to be on deck in the pursuit of safety and professionalism in the sector

He also gave the assurances that the Federal Government was willing to enforce compliance.

Emmanuel Ukoh