Federal Government has inaugurated a committee to advise it on appropriate measures to take in protection of the nation’s cyberspace and Information and Communication Technology, ICT, infrastructure from potential attacks especially during Saturday’s general election.
The Committee led by the Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Prof. Adeolu Akande was inaugurated by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari.
A statement by the Director, Public Affairs, NCC, Dr Reuben Muoka, on Friday, said the constitution of the Committee was on the directive of President Buhari.
Dr. Muoka said the committee would coordinate computer security centres in the ICT industry in collaboration with other relevant institutions towards intercepting potential cyber attacks.
He also pointed out that with the increased role of ICT in online activities, the committee would assist the nation in conducting a free, fair and credible elections.
According to the statement, the committee will work closely with institutions such as the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as well as Mobile Network Operators, among others, to collectively safeguard Nigeria’s cyberspace from potential attacks or cases of vandalism and fibre cuts during the election.
Members of the committee include: Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta, the Director General of National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr Kashifu Abdullahi.
Others are: The Managing Director of Galaxy Backbone, Prof. Mohammad Abubakar, and the Special Assistant to the Minister on Digital Economy, Prof. Aminu Ahmad, key directors in the agencies. among other CEOs in the ministry.
RN
