Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, says the ministry will continue to strengthen and enhance the existing legal framework on cybersecurity to have a secured nation.
Malami said this at the First National Consultation on the Cybercrimes Legal Framework jointly sponsored by the GLACY+ and OCWAR-C both EU funded projects in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Justice.
He said that although there was the unique opportunity and benefits that the digital transformation provided, there were attendant threats and challenges also associated with it.
“We now have a situation, where the good and the bad life of individuals, businesses, governments and criminals have largely migrated to the cyberspace and like a writer said, “the growing convenience of the cyberspace comes at a cost”.
“This is particularly in the area of national security, personal privacy and economic development,’’ he said.
He added that the country’s legal framework led to the conformity of Nigeria’s cybercrime and cybersecurity laws and policies with regional and international standards.
“It also led to the maintenance of international co-operation required for preventing and combating cybercrimes and promoting cybersecurity and effective prosecution of cybercrimes and cybersecurity maters.
He noted that the national consultation was designed to debrief on the main conclusions of the desk study on the Cybercrimes Act and provide a platform for inclusive dialogue.
“This will enable us to harness the collective wisdom and expertise of all key players in the sector.
“The challenges posed by cybercrime are ever-evolving, and we must remain proactive in our approach to combatting them.
“Our legislation must adapt to the rapidly changing threat landscape, addressing emerging trends and technologies,’’ he assured.
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court Justice John T. Tsoho, who was represented by Justice Donatus Okoronwo, said that the event would provide a pivotal platform to harness the collective wisdom and insights of diverse stakeholders.
“These wisdom and insights would enable us shape a national legal framework that aligns with international standards and addresses the unique challenges we face.
“As we embark on this collaborative journey, let us embrace the principles of inclusivity, innovation, and resilience.
“Let us seize this opportunity to devise legal frameworks that strike a delicate balance between security and privacy, empower law enforcement agencies, protect our citizens and critical infrastructure, and foster trust in our digital ecosystem,’’
The Chairman, African Union Cybersecurity Group of experts, Abdul-Hakeem Ajijola expressed delight that all stakeholders are standing united in a collective resolve to combat the ever- evolving threat of cybercrime that transcends borders and challenges our digital landscape.
“By joining hands with both national and international partners, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and implementing best practices that transcend boundaries.
Said experts should leverage the expertise of global cybersecurity leaders, exchange experiences, and forge enduring partnerships to bolster our cybersecurity capabilities.
“Our association stands as a testament to the dedication and expertise of the Nigerian cybersecurity community.
“Together, we strive to create a safer digital environment by promoting awareness and capacity building,’’ he said. (NAN)
