By Plans are underway towards building a United Kingdom/Nigeria National Cybersecurity Architecture. The UK/Nigeria Inward Cyber Trade Mission is to be facilitated by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
According to the Director-General National Information Technology Development Agency NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa the federal government was working towards embedding cybersecurity in every aspect of general activities, adding that 95 per cent of cyber breaches were as a result of human errors.
Speaking when some UK delegates visited him, he said, “We need to educate both the users and operators on cybersecurity, which is part of what we do and we have a target of achieving 95 percent digital literacy level now.
“We are looking at building the expertise and we are working on training our people on how to safeguard our digital space,” he said.
He added that they were conducting some research on emerging technologies like the Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things, Blockchain, robotics and additive manufacturing.
The DG further explained that as emerging technologies evolved, there was need for cyber security to evolve.
“We need to evolve in the way we talk about cybersecurity and the way we secure the system we are building,” he said.
Mr Mark Smithson, Country Director, Department of Business and Trade (DBT), UK, in his response revealed that the relationship between Nigeria and the UK was valued at 7.5 billion Pounds and they were committed to continue strengthening it through building safe cyber spaces.
“The UK remains firmly committed to supporting Nigeria in tackling cyber security challenges and harnessing the opportunities of the digital age as global threads evolve.
“Our partnership is more crucial than ever in ensuring a safe and resilient cyberspace for businesses, governments and citizens alike.
“The UK is proud to bring world class expertise in cyber security to Nigeria, from cutting-edge technology, to capacity building initiatives because our strong track record in cyber resilience, threat intelligence and innovation presents valuable opportunity.
“We look forward to expanding our cooperation, sharing knowledge, deepening our bilateral trade and building a secure digital future together,” Smithson said.
