At the 2024 National Cybercrimes Summit, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), emphasized the urgent need for greater investment in cybersecurity training across both public and private sectors. Inuwa highlighted that the benefits of securing organizations and digital processes far outweigh the risks of cyberattacks, advocating for a stronger commitment to cybersecurity as a national priority.
In his keynote address, titled “Alternative to Cybercrime,” Inuwa outlined the critical role of cybersecurity in safeguarding Nigeria’s digital economy and national security. He urged stakeholders to focus on enhancing cybersecurity measures to build digital trust and resilience, stressing that protecting the country’s cyber infrastructure is essential for sustainable growth.
The summit, themed “Alternative to Cybercrime: Optimising Cyber Skills for National Development,” brought together leaders from various industries, security agencies, and traditional and religious institutions. The forum aimed to explore ways of empowering Nigeria’s youth through digital skills, positioning them as a viable alternative to illegal online activities.
Inuwa detailed the evolving nature of cybercrime, noting that it is no longer confined to traditional computers but now targets a wide array of interconnected devices such as smartphones, smart TVs, and even vehicles. He identified five major categories of cybercrime—ranging from technical product attacks to money laundering—and cautioned that Africa’s financial sector remains one of the most vulnerable, with thousands of cyberattacks reported weekly.
Addressing the root causes of cybercrime, Inuwa highlighted the role of unemployment, financial incentives, and a lack of awareness about the consequences of illegal activities. He called for a more comprehensive approach to tackling the issue, proposing digital literacy, job creation, and skill development as effective solutions for steering young Nigerians away from cybercrime.
“We must provide meaningful alternatives to cybercrime,” Inuwa urged, adding that the government and private sector should work together to create opportunities within the digital economy, which has the potential to generate millions of jobs and significantly boost Nigeria’s GDP.
One of the event’s key moments was the unveiling of the EFCC Rapid Response Centre by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. This initiative will offer a 24-hour cybercrime response service, further strengthening the country’s ability to tackle the growing threat of cyberattacks.
The summit was attended by prominent figures, including Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Katsina State Governor Dikko Umar Radda, Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal, Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe. Also present were leaders of key religious organizations, such as Dr. Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria.
