Cybersecurity professionals have emphasised the urgent need to establish a more secure and resilient cybersecurity infrastructure in Nigeria.
This was highlighted during a press conference announcing the upcoming 2024 Cybersecurity Conference, organized by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in collaboration with the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc.
The 2024 conference, themed “Cybersecurity: Synergizing AI and Infrastructure,” will gather both national and international leaders in Abuja to explore the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into cybersecurity strategies.
The event is expected to address the increasing complexity of cyber threats and the importance of AI in enhancing the country’s cybersecurity framework.
The Coordinator of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre Ahmad Saad Abubakar emphasized that the conference is a significant initiative aimed at fostering collaboration between government bodies, private sector stakeholders, and international experts.
He noted that such partnerships are essential for building a more secure and resilient cybersecurity environment in Nigeria.
Abubakar also remarked on the importance of the event in advancing Nigeria’s cybersecurity discourse, stating, “As cyber threats continue to evolve and become more sophisticated, there is a pressing need to bolster our defenses by integrating AI into our cybersecurity infrastructure.”
The conference is expected to provide a platform for in-depth discussions on how Nigeria can leverage emerging technologies to safeguard its digital infrastructure, ensuring it remains resilient against ever-evolving cyber threats.
Managing Director, and Chief Executive Officer of CSCS, Haruna Jalo-Waziri, stated the collaboration between Central Securities Clearing System Plc and Office of the National Security Adviser in organizing the conference is a testament to its commitment to fostering a secure environment for Nigeria’s financial markets and beyond.
“We recognize that cybersecurity is not an issue that any one organization or sector can tackle alone. It requires collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and coordinated action across all levels of government and industry,” he said.
Head of ERM & Resilience Service at CSCS, Isioma Lawal, stated “We’re excited about coming together to tackle critical challenges.
“It is essential that we not only invest in infrastructure but also in developing the young talents that Nigeria is blessed with.
“By building human capacity, we can nurture a new generation of cybersecurity experts. As we move forward, we must address the increasing risks posed by AI, and work towards a future where our data remains secure,” he said