Cybersecurity key to successful digital economy — Pantami

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy has tasked Information Technology professionals to prioritise the safety and security of the country’s cyberspace.

Dr Isa Pantami made the call on Tuesday during his address titled, “The Imperatives of Cybersecurity for a Digital Economy.”

The Minister was the Chairman of the annual International Conference of the Nigeria Computer Society, which is taking place in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital.

In a statement disclosed by the Minister’s spokesperson, Mrs. Uwa Suleiman, Pantami stated that the theme of this year’s conference- Innovative Systems for a Digital Economy, was apt and in accord with the needs of a growing digital economy.

“However, priority and preference should be given to cybersecurity as the capacity and quality of solutions, particularly, indigenous solutions deployed to address existing or new problems must meet the minimum global requirements.”

Pantami further emphasised that Digital Innovation and Digital Entrepreneurship are the building blocks of a successful indigenous Digital Economy. Such an economy will only thrive in a safe and secure cyberspace and this is why the Federal Government has instituted strategies and policies to ensure that Cybersecurity is given priority.

“The Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), a regulatory instrument established to protect the privacy and confidentiality of citizens, the National Cybersecurity Policy & Strategy and the Computer Emergency Response and Readiness Team (CERRT) are some of the initiatives put in place by government to ensure the success of a Digital Economy and a safe cyberspace.”

While commending the Nigeria Computer Society for its consistency in organising the annual event, the Honourable Minister called for all hands to be on deck in the pursuit of safety and professionalism in the sector and gave the assurances that the Federal Government was willing to enforce compliance.