By Emmanuel Elebeke

The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase has called on the three tiers of government and the private sector to join hands with relevant agencies to protect the nation’s cyberspace from possible attacks to enable the citizens enjoy the full benefits of cyber technology.

The IGP made the call on Thursday at the international conference on cyberspace (CyberAbuja 2015) organised by the Centre for Cyberspace Studies, Nasarawa State in Abuja.

Arase, who was represented by an Assistant Inspector General of Police, Danladi Mshelusala, said the protection of cyberspace against crimes has become one of the major security issues that needs immediate solution.

He stated that cyber security has become a major challenge facing individuals, corporate and government institutions that none is immune from the effects of cyber attacks.

‘‘The ability of a nation to leverage on the potentials of cyberspace enables her to have significant influence and control globally.
‘‘Even though it is now clear that there is an increasing dependence on cyberspace, there are risks that tend to threaten the national economy and security as important and sensitive data. Networks and systems that can be trusted are now being compromised or tampered with in a way that can be difficult to detect.

‘‘It is important to state without equivocation that for Nigeria and its citizens to start enjoying the full benefits of cyber technology, the three tiers of government and their institutions, including private institutions must be fully involved in this fight,’’ he pointed out.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Professor Mohammed Mainoma said ensuring the safety of the cyberspace, is a collective responsibility as no single solution is adequate.

The theme of the conference is Cyberspace Governance: the imperative for National and Economic Security