Marian Okpe Abuja
The Senate Committee on ICT and Cybercrime is taking proactive steps to address the rising spread of cybercrime in Nigeria. To curb the use of unregistered SIM cards in cybercrime, the committee has directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to ensure all SIM cards are registered. This move aims to build a stronger Nigerian cyberspace and promote business growth and development.
Key Initiatives:
- Registration of SIM Cards: The committee’s directive to register all SIM cards will help prevent cybercriminals from exploiting unregistered SIM cards.
- Strengthening Cybersecurity: The committee is working to develop modalities to strengthen the Nigerian cyberspace and prevent cybercrime.
- Stakeholder Engagement: The committee has engaged with various stakeholders, including government agencies, to gather insights and recommendations on addressing cybercrime.
Previous Efforts:
The Senate Committee on ICT and Cybercrime has demonstrated its commitment to addressing cybercrime through oversight visits to key government agencies, including ¹ ²:
- Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR): The committee visited the DPR in February 2020 to discuss aligning the agency’s ICT systems with international best practices and enhancing cybersecurity.
- Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA): The committee paid a working visit to the NPA in February 2020 to explore ways to develop and accelerate ICT and digital technology in the ports sector.
- Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre: The committee pledged to support the centre through legislation to deliver on its mandate of addressing cybercrime.
Expected Outcomes:
The committee’s efforts are expected to lead to a reduction in cybercrime and a safer online environment for Nigerians. By engaging with stakeholders and developing effective strategies, the committee aims to ³:
- Promote business growth and development in the country
- Protect citizens from cyber threats
- Review and modify the Cybercrime (Prohibition and Prevention) Act of 2015 to address emerging cybercrime challenges
The Nigerian Senate’s efforts to address cybercrime are crucial, given the significant financial losses incurred by Nigerians due to online crimes, estimated to be over $500 million per year. By strengthening cybersecurity and promoting a safer online environment, the committee’s initiatives can help mitigate these losses and foster a more secure digital landscape for Nigerian businesses and citizens.