NITDA DG Urges Investment in Cybersecurity Training
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NITDA DG Urges Investment in Cybersecurity Training
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
Kashifu Inuwa, Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has called on the public and private sectors to prioritize training cybersecurity professionals, emphasizing the benefits of securing organizations and processes over cyber-attacks.
Inuwa made this plea at the National Cybercrimes Summit 2024, organized by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Presidential Villa.
The summit, themed “Alternate to Cybercrime: Optimising Cyber Skills for National Development,” brought together industry leaders, security agencies, traditional and religious leaders to share ideas and expertise on combating cybercrime through digital skills enhancement.
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Inuwa highlighted the complexities of cybercrime, which now extends beyond laptops and desktops to mobile devices, smart TVs, and cars, due to technological interconnectedness.
He identified five major cybercrime categories: technical product/service attacks, attacks and extortion, data/identity theft, scams, and money laundering.
He added that the financial sector remains the most vulnerable in Africa, with over 3,300 cyber-attacks reported weekly.
To combat cybercrime, Inuwa advocated for a holistic approach, focusing on digital literacy, skills development, and job creation to divert young Nigerians from cybercriminality.
He emphasized the digital economy’s potential to create millions of jobs and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s GDP.
The event’s highlight was the launch of the EFCC Rapid Response Centre by Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady.
Other dignitaries in attendance included Governors AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara), Dikko Umar Radda (Katsina), and Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), as well as prominent traditional and religious leaders.
