.NG Academy, established as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), is reinforcing its dedication to bolstering digital expertise and the nation’s cybersecurity defences. In this pursuit, .NG Academy has unveiled a training programme aimed at empowering security agencies with an in-depth comprehension of the Fundamentals of the Internet and Cybersecurity. This initiative is designed to equip security professionals with the required knowledge and skills to effectively address the constantly evolving cyber threat landscape.
.NG Academy, well-known for its dedication to exceptional technology education, has taken an active role in advancing and fostering a sustainable digital economy in Africa. With a focus on equipping the continent with essential digital technology skills, the Academy conducted a three-day training programme from July 25 – 27, 2023. This joint initiative, organised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA) through its .NG Academy is specifically tailored to meet the needs of security agencies in Nigeria given their crucial role in safeguarding the nation against cyber threats and attacks.
High-ranking officials from various security agencies, including EFCC, Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Security & Civil Defence Corps, Code of Conduct Bureau, Department of State Security, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Immigration Service, Federal Road Safety Corps, and National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, participated in the three-day programme. Their presence reflected a strong desire to elevate their expertise in protecting Nigeria’s digital space.
Throughout the event, the experienced facilitators shared insights into combating cyber threats. Their presence not only enriched the training but also provided an opportunity for security agencies to establish valuable networks within the industry.
Delivering the opening remarks on behalf of the NiRA President, Mr. Muhammed Rudman, the lead facilitator, and immediate past president of the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), as well as the CEO of Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN) expressed NiRA’s commitment to collaborating with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to train law enforcement professionals.
In the NiRA President, Mr. Adesola Akinsanya’s message to the group, he emphasized that NiRA’s primary objective to empower security agencies with the necessary knowledge and expertise to safeguard the nation’s critical assets from cyber threats effectively. By equipping professionals with cutting-edge skills, the Academy in collaboration with EFCC is establishing a robust line of defence against cyber adversaries. He also highlighted the importance of creating a cohesive security ecosystem as the Academy in collaboration with the EFCC training programme aims to bring together key stakeholders from both the private sector and the government to foster collaboration and to collectively address cybersecurity challenges and offer capacity-building initiatives for the benefit of all involved parties.
During the training, Dr. Rislan A. Kanya, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, IT, Research and Innovation at Baze University examined the overall impact of cloud computing on human development in Nigeria. He also examined the significance of policy, strategy, collaboration, and operational measures in enhancing human development through cloud computing. Mr. Victor Idonor, CEO of Cysec Nigeria, highlighted information security principles and how they relate to cybercrime. Dr Daniel Omofoman, Director, Programmes and Projects, African University of Science and Technology; Dr Agu Collins Agu, Director, Research and Development, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Mr Chuks Onuoha spoke about Radio Frequency Identification Technology, its adoption and implementation as well as its increasing importance in law enforcement operations.
As the participants departed with newfound knowledge and strengthened capabilities, .NG Academy remains dedicated to fostering a safer digital environment through comprehensive and specialized training programmes. The Academy’s commitment to equipping security agencies with cutting-edge knowledge in the fundamentals of the internet and cybersecurity is expected to have a profound impact on national security. Armed with the latest techniques and strategies, security professionals are now better prepared to safeguard critical infrastructures, protect sensitive data, and thwart potential cyberattacks.
As cyber threats continue to escalate in complexity and frequency, the NG Academy’s initiative to strengthen security agencies’ expertise in the Fundamentals of the Internet and Cybersecurity comes as a beacon of hope for safeguarding the nation’s digital assets. By investing in the development of skilled cybersecurity professionals, Nigeria takes a significant step forward in establishing a secure and resilient cyber environment.
