The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) at the weekend in Lagos, received a cybersecurity promotion award at the maiden edition of Cybersecurity Merit Awards hosted by the Cybersecurity Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN) which enumerated several steps taken by it to promote a safer Internet.
According to a press release on Tuesday, 25th October 2022 signed by the NCC Director of Public Affairs Reuben Muoka, he said that the award, which was conferred on the Commission, ahead of other contending organizations, listed its sterling contributions to the protection of telecom consumers from all forms of cybercrimes.
Director of New Media and Information Security of the NCC, Dr. Haru Alhassan, who received the award on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, said such a credible award from professionals is encouraging for the efforts which the Commission has made 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.
Director of Public Affairs of the Commission, Mr. Reuben Muoka, who gave a goodwill speech on behalf of the CEO of the Commission, traced the efforts of the Commission regarding its networking activities at the international level, including the global Internet Governance Forum and other initiatives like the Child Online Protection.
He adverted the minds of the experts to the provisions of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030, which one of the 8-Pillars focuses on Soft Infrastructure, is 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 Nigerian cyberspace is protected against the nefarious activities of cybercriminals that endanger unsuspecting Internet users in the country,” the EVC said. He also stated that it is in recognition of the strategic role cyberspace plays in the advancement of the digital economy that the Commission created NMIS Department to take charge of several activities, initiatives, and programmes pivoted on collaboration to enhance cyber and information security in Nigerian cyberspace.
“We have continued to be part of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), promote Child Online Protection as well as create 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,” the EVC said.
The CMA 2020 was organized to recognize individuals, startups, private businesses, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of government, as well as state governments, for excellence, innovation, and effective leadership in promoting the cybersecurity ecosystem in Nigeria.