National Security Authority Orders Enforcement of Cybercrime Laws

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has issued a directive for the full enforcement of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Amendment Act 2024.

This directive applies to all law enforcement agencies, regulators, businesses, and stakeholders involved. The announcement came through a statement from Zakari Mijinyawa, Head of Strategic Communications Office of the NSA.

Ribadu emphasized the importance of implementing the Cybercrimes Law to secure Nigeria’s digital space and protect national security and economic interests.

He highlighted the outcomes of the recent African International Counter Terrorism Meeting in Abuja, where African leaders stressed the urgency of enhancing cybersecurity measures and preventing the misuse of social media and other platforms by terrorists and criminal groups.

To support these efforts, a 0.5 percent levy on all electronic transactions by specified businesses will be collected and credited to the National Cybercrime Fund.

This move aims to provide additional resources for countering terrorism and violent extremism, as outlined in section 44(5) of the Cybercrimes Act.

The directive follows Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation in combating cybercrime, evidenced by its signing and ratification of the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime in 2022.

This step aligns with the global effort to create a safer and more efficient cyberspace through collaborative measures and procedural tools.