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The National Information Technology Development Agency has urged countries to support the development of international cyber norms and establish common grounds on cybersecurity issues.
According to the agency, the first step towards promoting the development of international cyber norms is to increase awareness among stakeholders and educate them through conferences, seminars, workshops, and other awareness campaigns.
The Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, said this at the International Conference on Cyber Diplomacy, organised by Cyber Diplomacy Centre, Bucharest, Romania, to discuss the development and promotion of international and widely accepted cyber norms.
Inuwa, who participated at the event virtually, further said during a panel session that with the ever-evolving landscape of technology and cybersecurity, international diplomacy was another key aspect to promoting the development of international cyber norms.
“It is critical for countries to establish common grounds on cybersecurity issues and advocate for the development of international cyber norms that are widely accepted and followed by all actors in the digital space.
“Actors need to develop the capacity of their workforce in the cybersecurity industry to help promote the development of international cyber norms. This can be achieved through training, education, and the provision of resources needed to tackle cyber threats.
“There is a need to develop strong legislation to regulate cybersecurity and enforce these laws to deter cybercriminals. This will go a long way in promoting the development of international cyber norms,” he said.
On confidence-building measures to enhance trust and prevent misunderstandings in cyberspace, the DG said Nigeria had established several platforms for collaboration among stakeholders, such as the Cybercrime Advisory Council and the National Computer Emergency Response Team.
According to him, these platforms provide opportunities for stakeholders to share information, expertise, and resources and to collaborate on cybersecurity initiatives.
He further said, “The CERT which was established in 2014 to provide a coordinated response to cyber incidents in Nigeria, works closely with other government agencies, private sector organisations, and international partners to share information and expertise on cybersecurity issues. The CERT has been instrumental in responding to cyber threats and building trust among stakeholders in Nigeria.
“Another initiative is the Cybercrime Advisory Council, established in 2013 to provide advice and guidance on cybersecurity issues. The CAC brings together government, private sector, and civil society representatives to share information, collaborate on cybersecurity initiatives, and promote awareness of cyber threats.”
He explained that the CAC had helped build trust and cooperation among stakeholders and facilitated the development of cybersecurity policies and guidelines in the country.
While commenting on the challenges involved in implementing CBMs, the DG opined that there were several efforts aimed at addressing these challenges and promoting the effectiveness of CBMs in Nigeria.
“Nigeria has also been actively engaging with international partners to promote cybersecurity and adopt international cyber norms. For instance, Nigeria is a member of the African Union Cybersecurity Expert Group and the Commonwealth Cybercrime Initiative, which promotes cooperation and collaboration on cybersecurity issues.
“Furthermore, Nigeria’s National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy document provides a framework for addressing cybersecurity challenges and promoting a secure and resilient cyberspace. The policy framework recognises the importance of international cooperation and collaboration and highlights the need for Nigeria to adopt and promote international cyber norms,” he added.
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