…As Ministry Flags-Off Cybercrimes Awareness Campaign.
The Solicitor-General of the Federation/Permanent Secretary (SGF/PS), Federal Ministry of Justice, Mrs Beatrice Jedy-Agba OON, mni, has stated that the knowledge of cybercrimes and relevant cyber laws among civil servants in Nigeria will aid effective combat of cybercrimes.
The SGF/PS made the statement at the flag off of a three-day Cybercrimes Awareness Programme, in collaboration with the US Embassy, which commenced with an Awareness Walk around Abuja on Tuesday November 7TH, 2023. The theme of the three-day programme is “Don’t Fall Victim, Don’t Perpetrate”.
Jedy-Agba stated that “the knowledge of cybercrimes and relevant laws among the civil servants in Nigeria will aid the government’s whole-of–government approach to effectively combat cybercrime as well as the implementation of the cybercrime laws”.
Represented by the Director Solicitors Department, Mrs Gladys Odegbaro, the SGF/PS explained that considering the realities of the Nigerian Civil Servants, the Civil Service as a whole, and the need for awareness campaigns aimed at promoting specific attitudes and behaviours, the Federal Ministry of Justice was taking the lead in line with the goal of building strong institutions.
She emphasized that, “this post Covid-Era and with the advancement of technology, there is auto motion of most government services. Online meetings and service deliveries have fast become a usual, as well as the use of the internet among civil servants at all levels, which among other things speaks to the interconnectedness of our today’s world”.
“As technology rapidly evolves, so does the complexity and scale of cyber threats”. Jedy Agba added.
The SGF/PS assured that the collaboration between government agencies, industry stakeholders and the international community would continue in order to raise awareness on cybercrime and the law; and thus help individuals to protect themselves and be more proactive online as threats to technology and confidential data were becoming more commonplace.
According to her, “this walk marks the beginning of the Campaign to be followed by an Awareness Training for officers in the Ministry of Justice and some senior “High Schoolers” from selected schools within the Federal Capital Territory”.
Jedy-Agba told the Ministry’s staff that the awareness walk signified the unity and determination required in the fight against cybercrimes, charging that as their steps were united in the walk, so also should their resolve to build collective resilience to protect digital Nigeria.
“Together, we can build a safer, more secure online environment for ourselves and future generations. Let this programme be a catalyst for change, a beacon of knowledge, and a testament to our unwavering dedication to fighting cybercrimes”. She enthused.
In her vote of thanks, the Director Human Resources Department of the Ministry, Mrs Foluke Oni thanked all participants, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) and the Nigerian Police for their show of support and solidarity. She urged all participants to be vigilant not to fall victim and also refuse to be perpetrators of cybercrimes.
The Head of Cybercrimes Unit in the Ministry, Mrs. Jamila Akaaga Ade, encouraged members of staff to ensure that the awareness went viral on all social media platforms. She also acknowledged and appreciated the support of stakeholders such as Cyber Security Association, NAPTIP, EFCC, ICPC and other partners.
Aderemi Adelabu
For: Director (Information)
Press and Public Relations
