“Cybersecurity is much more than a matter of IT; it’s a matter of national security.”
— Pauline Neville-Jones, former UK Minister for Security

By Ernest Ogezi

As the digital landscape rapidly expands, the global cybersecurity situation has reached a critical juncture. In an increasingly interconnected world, the scale and frequency of cyber threats continue to escalate, affecting individuals, businesses, and governments alike. October, designated as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, serves as a stark reminder of the growing importance of cybersecurity and the collective responsibility we all share in securing our digital spaces.

Globally, the numbers paint a grim picture. According to a 2024 report by IBM Security, the average cost of a data breach has soared to $4.88 million, marking the highest figure ever recorded. This staggering figure underscores the severe financial implications of cyber incidents. Additionally, the number of data compromises worldwide in the first half of 2024 rose to 1,571, a 14% increase from 2023. These statistics highlight the growing sophistication of cyberattacks and the pressing need for more robust defenses. Ransomware, phishing, and advanced persistent threats (APTs) continue to dominate the threat landscape, with attackers constantly evolving their tactics.

The situation in Nigeria mirrors global trends but presents its own set of unique challenges. As Africa’s largest economy and a rapidly growing digital hub, Nigeria has experienced a surge in cybercrime activity. In 2022 alone, the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) recorded over 60,000 cyberattacks on financial institutions, amounting to billions in losses. The rise of digital banking, e-commerce, and the widespread adoption of mobile devices have made the country a prime target for cybercriminals. In response to these challenges, the Nigerian government has taken significant steps to bolster the nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure, with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) playing a pivotal role.

NITDA, the agency responsible for regulating and promoting Nigeria’s IT ecosystem, has been at the forefront of the country’s cybersecurity efforts. In line with its mandate to foster a safe and secure digital environment, NITDA has implemented a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing cybersecurity awareness, promoting best practices, and strengthening the country’s defense against cyber threats. The agency’s role in cybersecurity is multi-faceted, focusing on policy development, capacity building, and public-private partnerships.

One of NITDA’s key contributions has been the development of Nigeria’s National Cybersecurity Strategy, which outlines the country’s approach to combating cyber threats. The strategy emphasizes the importance of protecting critical infrastructure, safeguarding personal data, and building cyber resilience. It also focuses on creating a culture of cybersecurity awareness across all sectors of society. NITDA has been instrumental in implementing this strategy by working with stakeholders to ensure its effectiveness.

In October 2024, as part of National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, NITDA launched a nationwide awareness campaign to educate individuals and organizations on the importance of cybersecurity. The campaign, which aligns with the global theme “Secure Our World,” emphasizes the shared responsibility of all Nigerians in protecting the digital landscape. Through workshops, webinars, and educational materials, NITDA is working to equip citizens with the knowledge and tools they need to safeguard their digital assets.

A key focus of NITDA’s efforts has been the protection of Nigeria’s critical infrastructure, including the financial, energy, and healthcare sectors. Cyberattacks on these sectors can have devastating consequences, not only financially but also in terms of public safety. In response, NITDA has collaborated with both national and international organizations to enhance the cybersecurity frameworks of these industries, ensuring that they are equipped to defend against evolving threats.

Beyond its focus on critical infrastructure, NITDA has made significant strides in fostering a cybersecurity-conscious workforce. Through its Cybersecurity Awareness Program, the agency has trained thousands of IT professionals, law enforcement officers, and government personnel on the latest cybersecurity trends and defense techniques. This capacity-building initiative is crucial for ensuring that Nigeria has a skilled workforce capable of responding to the ever-changing threat landscape.

Despite these efforts, the scale and complexity of cyber threats continue to grow. The rise of ransomware attacks, data breaches, and phishing schemes poses significant risks to both the public and private sectors. NITDA recognizes that cybersecurity is not a static field but one that requires constant vigilance and adaptation. The agency is therefore committed to continuously improving Nigeria’s cybersecurity posture through policy updates, enhanced defenses, and ongoing education.

By Bukola Taiwo

Women and social justice advocates in Nigeria have, through the years, tirelessly fought for the rights and protection of women through various means such as policy advocacy, policy implementation, and community sensitization, among others. Their efforts have been instrumental in bringing about significant legislative changes aimed at safeguarding the rights of women and vulnerable groups. One of the most notable achievements of their resilience and dedication is the passage of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law in 2015. This landmark legislation was enacted after 14 years of persistent advocacy and negotiations with different legislative assemblies.

The VAPP Law is a comprehensive legal framework that addresses various forms of violence against individuals. It provides detailed definitions of different types of violence, including physical, emotional, and sexual violence, and prescribes stringent sanctions for perpetrators. The law criminalizes acts such as rape, domestic violence, and other forms of abuse, ensuring that offenders are held accountable for their actions. The VAPP Law is notable for its gender-neutral and rights-based approach, which emphasizes the protection of all individuals, regardless of gender. As a result, over 30 states in Nigeria have domesticated this law, reflecting its widespread acceptance and implementation across the country.

Despite the rise in sexual and violent crimes in Nigeria today, which underscores the urgent need for robust legal protections, the legislature’s commitment to the comprehensive implementation of the VAPP Law appears to be waning. Contrary to expectations, there has been a motion to repeal the VAPP Law, spearheaded by Senator Jubril Isah of Kogi East. This motion has already passed the second reading with alarming speed. It is worth noting that in 2022, the same Senator Jubril Isah sponsored a similar bill to repeal the VAPP Law, although it did not succeed at that time.

Senator Jibrin’s push to repeal the VAPP Law of 2015 is based on his assertion that the law is “gender-biased.” This claim has sparked significant controversy and concern among advocates for women’s rights and social justice. The senator’s stance is seen by many as a blatant disregard for the safety and protection of women and vulnerable groups. Critics argue that his efforts to repeal the law undermine the hard-won protections that have been put in place to safeguard victims of violence, particularly women. The dismissal of the law’s intent to protect victims from violence, under the guise of promoting neutrality, is perceived as an attempt to roll back critical legal safeguards that have been established through years of advocacy and struggle.

The potential repeal of the VAPP Law poses a significant threat to the progress that has been made in addressing violence against individuals in Nigeria. It is imperative for advocates, policymakers, and the general public to remain vigilant and continue to push for the full implementation and enforcement of the VAPP Law. Ensuring that this crucial legislation remains in place is essential for protecting the rights and safety of all individuals, particularly women and vulnerable groups, who are most at risk of violence and abuse.

Deaf Women Aloud: Advocating for the Rights and Well-being of Hearing-Impaired Women in Taraba State

Over 100 hearing-impaired women from across the sixteen Local Government Areas of Taraba State gathered in Jalingo for the Deaf Women Conference organized by the Deaf Women Aloud Initiative. The conference, held in early October, aimed to address the pressing issues surrounding the sexual and reproductive health rights of deaf women and girls in the state.

The event, held under the theme “Unheard,” brought attention to the challenges faced by the hearing-impaired population, particularly in the realms of education and employment. According to the World Health Organization, over 5% of the world’s population suffers from disabling hearing loss, and in Sub-Saharan Africa, individuals with hearing impairments often lack the necessary support for success.

The conference featured various sessions and discussions, with Gloria Manasseh Luka, a broadcast journalist from Rock FM Radio 92.3 Jalingo, delivering a goodwill message. Luka expressed her surprise at the significant turnout, stating, “I never knew we had a huge population of hearing-impaired women in Nigeria: over 100 hearing-impaired women from across the state.” She noted that this count did not include men or children in attendance, emphasizing the vastness of the hearing-impaired community in the region.

During her speech, Luka highlighted the importance of supporting the sexual and reproductive health rights of deaf women and girls. Two interpreters, Fatima, the daughter of a hearing-impaired woman, and another participant, skillfully translated the message to the excited crowd.

The event shed light on several crucial issues faced by the hearing-impaired community in Nigeria. Among the lessons shared by Luka were practical tips on communication, such as using hand gestures for applause and avoiding touching or grabbing to get a hearing-impaired person’s attention. Attendees were also urged to learn basic sign language for essential expressions like “Please,” “Sorry,” and “Thank you.”

A startling statistic shared during the conference revealed that 25% of Nigerian hearing-impaired women could benefit from hearing aids and cochlear implants but are constrained by financial limitations. Job opportunities and learning utilities for hearing-impaired women were reported to be insufficient, with high incidences of physical and domestic abuse, even within marriages.

Stakeholders emphasized the need for ‘deaf inclusion’ in social, cultural, and health spaces, advocating for the presence of interpreters in television, radio, and alternative media programs beyond just news segments.

As the conference concluded, it was evident that organizations like the Deaf Women Association of Nigeria (DWAN) play a crucial role in standing in the gap for the hearing-impaired community.

DWAN provides guidance and counselling services to hearing-impaired girls, women, parents, and guardians, empowering them to fight for their rights and advocating for comprehensive laws to address the challenges they face.

The conference served as a platform to amplify the voices of the unheard, sparking discussions and actions towards a more inclusive and supportive society for the hearing-impaired in Taraba State.