FG to launch National Cybercrime Centre

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

The war against cybercrime in Nigeria has taken a center stage as the Federal Government disclosed readiness to launch the National Cybercrime Center to curb the increasing wave of cyber-related crimes in the country.
1st National Consultation on the Cybercrimes Legal Framework jointly sponsored by the GLACY+ and OCWAR-C (both EU funded projects) projects in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice.
The Cyber security centre which will be supervised by the Nigeria Police Force would among others synergise with both National and international security communities for robust legislation, and strategies to protect Nigeria’s cyberspace.
This was made known by the
Inspector General of Police, IGP, Usman Alkali Baba, at the first Consultation forum on the national legal framework on Cybercrime held on Wednesday in Abuja.
In a remark, National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno pointed out that Nigeria’s cyberspace is currently threatened by money laundering, child pornography, and fishing among other cyber-related crimes.
Monguno said to reverse the growing trends of cybercrimes and to properly harness the revolution’s benefits from the potential of cyberspace, there is a need for collaborative efforts by agencies to cope with the threats.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the African Union Cybersecurity Group of experts, Abdul-Hakeem Ajijola, also stressed the need to improve legislation along with the cyber security architecture in the country.
Ajijola said, “I urge Nigeria to ratify and accede to the Malabo convention as Africa has started moving forward on it without us.
“However, legislation alone is not enough. We need to fortify our digital frontiers with advanced cybersecurity technologies.”
In the same vern, the Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Prof. Ali Isa Pantami also called for collaborative efforts by Ministries and agencies of government to tackle the menace of cybercrime.
The Digital and communication minister also stressed the need for an improved legislative framework that will combat the complexity of the crimes.
Pantami said, “Let us remember the profound importance of our collective efforts. Cybercrime knows no borders, and its impact transcends individual nations.
“We must work together as stakeholders from various sectors – government, law enforcement agencies, industry, civil society, and academia – to address the multifaceted challenges.
“We must seize this opportunity to develop a robust national legal framework that encompasses the complexities of cybercrimes and electronic evidence gathering.
“Our legislation should empower law enforcement agencies, enable effective investigation and prosecution of cybercriminals, and safeguard the rights and privacy of our citizens. It should promote international cooperation and information sharing to combat cyber threats effectively.”
Also the Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi
stressed the need for an improved legal framework to combat rising threats to Nigeria’s cyberspace.
He said, “ A cybercrime legislative framework Is one of those critical areas that needs to be addressed in order to promote a healthy digital economy. “
He added, “As we embark on this collaborative journey, let us embrace the principles of inclusivity, innovation, and resilience. Let us seize this opportunity to devise legal frameworks that strike a delicate balance between security and privacy, empower law enforcement agencies, protect our citizens and critical infrastructure, and foster trust in our digital ecosystem.”
Earlier, the solicitor General of the Federation, Beatrice Jedy-Agba in a welcome address, urged the participants at the forum to harness the opportunities provided by the three-day consultative forum to improve modalities towards curbing cybercrime in Nigeria.
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho on his part, pledged the commitment of the courts towards achieving the aims of Act, -2015 cybercrime Act.
Represented by Justice D.U. Okorowo, the CJ stressed that the Federal High Court is not just a critical stakeholder, but a decisive partner in the achievement of the aims of the Act.
Justice Tsoho said, “The Federal High Court as an institution is committed to providing adequate support to all relevant stakeholders to achieve the aims of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Preventions) Act, 2015.
“Section 50 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Preventions) Act, 2015 conferred on the Federal High Court exclusive jurisdiction over offences committed under the Act.”