The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is collaborating with the Nigerian government to develop a comprehensive cybercrime policy for the country. The country representative of UNODC in Nigeria, Cheikh Toure, made this known during a briefing in Abuja on Thursday, where he discussed the UN Cybercrime Convention with Nigerian authorities.
Toure emphasized the importance of addressing cyber-enabled crimes in Nigeria and highlighted the ongoing partnership between UNODC and the Nigerian Police Force. He mentioned that a recent assessment was conducted to review Nigeria’s cybercrime strategy and identify areas for improvement. As a result, a program is being developed to leverage cybercrime laws and strategies as tools to combat cyber threats and protect Nigerian citizens.
The director of the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Center, Ifeanyi Henry Uche, echoed Toure’s sentiments on the need for international collaboration in tackling cybercrimes. Uche emphasized that cybercrime is a borderless issue that requires cooperation among countries and non-governmental organizations to effectively combat.
Uche also noted the challenges posed by the increasing internet penetration in Nigeria, with over 40 million smartphone users in the country. He stressed the importance of staying ahead of cybercriminals to safeguard the digital landscape.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, expressed the significance of the UN Cybercrime Convention in guiding Nigeria’s cyber legislation. Senator Salisu acknowledged the evolving nature of cyber threats, such as artificial intelligence, and the need to align domestic laws with global cybersecurity practices.
He highlighted the need for a nuanced approach that integrates international conventions with national values and laws to strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity framework. Senator Salisu affirmed the country’s commitment to ratifying the UN conventions with a thorough understanding of their implications.
Overall, the collaborative efforts between UNODC, the Nigerian government, and law enforcement agencies underscore the collective commitment to enhancing cybersecurity measures and combatting cybercrimes in Nigeria. By aligning policies with international standards and leveraging partnerships, Nigeria aims to bolster its defenses against evolving cyber threats and safeguard the digital landscape for its citizens.