The dawn of the Internet has transformed our society in exceptional ways by enabling economic growth and providing new means by which people connect, interact and collaborate with one another. The convergence of components of information and communications technology (ICT); advances in underlying technologies fuelling reduction in costs, suggest that accessing the internet will become increasingly inexpensive and stress-free in Nigeria. The implication is that more and more people in Nigeria and around the globe will continuously engage in cyberspace. As more ideas continue to drive the expansion of the cyberspace for improved advantage and profitability, more surprises are unavoidable.
While heralding the success of the Internet, there is also a challenge in identifying and curbing cyber threat inherent within its sphere. It is well documented that the Internet is being used as a vehicle to carry out criminal activity within and outside Nigeria’s borders. These activities adversely affect the country’s economy as well as individuals and organisations within Nigeria’s physical territorial boundaries from a financial, reputational, security and privacy perspectives.
Where external threat actors such as foreign intelligence agencies, hackers and other online criminal syndicates are carrying out the activities, they can also threaten the national security posture, which includes the economic, political and social fabric of Nigeria.
This policy therefore sets out the strategic intent of the government in mitigating the country cyber risk exposure by prioritising our needs while focusing on key areas, curtailing escalation of cyber threats that are inimical to the national security posture and the Nigerian economic wellbeing. This policy is a vital response element for safeguarding the nation. It helps to enlighten the citizens on the components that are to be used to empower the nation to understand, respond and collectively deter cyber threat activities. The policy outlines the doctrinal framework and guiding principles for achieving our roadmaps through a coordinated effort of all stakeholders in the country.
