The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has received a cybersecurity promotion award at the maiden edition of the Cybersecurity Merit Awards hosted by the Cybersecurity Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN).
The award, which was conferred on the commission over the weekend in Lagos, ahead of other contending organisations, listed the commission’s sterling contributions to the protection of telecom consumers from all forms of cybercrimes as its advantage.
Receiving the award on behalf of the executive vice-chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, the director of new media and information security, NCC, Dr. Haru Alhassan, said such a credible award from professionals is an encouragement for the commission’s efforts in cybersecurity.
He told the audience that tackling the menace of cybercrime in the country has become even more imperative as the success of the implementation of digital economy policy and strategy depends on a strong foundation of cybersecurity architecture in Nigeria.
In his goodwill message, the director of public affairs of the commission, Mr. Reuben Muoka traced the efforts of the commission in relation to its networking activities at the international level, including the global Internet Governance Forum and the Child Online Protection.
He made reference to the provisions of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030, one of the eight pillars which focuses on soft infrastructure, premised on harnessing policy and regulatory initiatives to create an enabling environment that targets increased protection for users of digital products and services in the country.
“The commission is committed to ensuring that the Nigerian cyberspace is protected against the nefarious activities of cybercriminals that endanger unsuspecting Internet users in the country,” he added.
He also stated that it was in recognition of the strategic role cyberspace plays in the advancement of digital economy that the commission created the NMIS Department to take charge of several activities, initiatives and programmes pivoted on collaboration to enhance cyber and information security in the Nigerian cyberspace.
“We have continued to be part of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), promoted Child Online Protection and created awareness on cyber threats through the NCC’s Computer Security Incidence Response Team (CSIRT), which constantly monitors the cyberspace and publishes advisories on identified cyber threats,” he stated.
The CMA 2020 was organised to recognise individuals, startups, private businesses, ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) of government, as well as state governments, for excellence, innovation, and effective leadership in promoting cybersecurity ecosystem in Nigeria.
