The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, has affirmed the agency’s commitment to partnering with the Chartered Institute of Forensic and Certified Fraud Investigator of Nigeria (CIFCFIN) to enhance digital forensics capabilities and combat cybercrimes in the digital landscape. Inuwa conveyed this assurance during a meeting with CIFCFIN’s President, Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbak, and his team at the NITDA Corporate Headquarters in Abuja.

Inuwa emphasized the detrimental impact of cybercrimes on national economies, organizations, and individuals, underscoring the necessity of building capacity to safeguard against unscrupulous elements. He highlighted the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity during the digitization of services to ensure safety and protection.

NITDA has already taken proactive measures to safeguard the cybersecurity landscape through initiatives such as awareness campaigns, capacity building, and infrastructure development. Inuwa acknowledged that collaboration with key stakeholders, including individuals, organizations, and other sovereign nations, is crucial for achieving optimal results in combating cyber threats.

Recognizing the substantial resources invested by cybercriminals in research and powerful tools for launching attacks, Inuwa stressed the need for a well-organized defense to counter these threats. He discussed plans to establish a Cybersecurity Laboratory, seeking collaboration from relevant stakeholders to expedite its design and implementation.

Regarding CIFCFIN’s specific collaboration requests in areas such as training and certification programs, research and development, information sharing, policy development, workshops and conferences, standardization, and accreditation, Inuwa affirmed NITDA’s engagement in various scholarship and training programs. He mentioned partnerships with platforms like Coursera and the Cisco Academy, through which thousands of Nigerians have already received training in cybersecurity.

Inuwa expressed optimism that the collaboration between NITDA and CIFCFIN would enhance the cybersecurity architecture of the tech ecosystem. He commended the institute for the successful enactment of the Institute’s Establishment Act in 2022.

Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbak, President of CIFCFIN, expressed the institute’s desire to partner with NITDA in the areas of digital forensics and cybersecurity. In addition to the requests mentioned earlier, he appealed for support in the form of computers for the Nigerian College of Forensics and Fraud Investigators (NCFFI), technical assistance for deploying their e-portal and e-learning platforms, and a postgraduate scheme/scholarship. Gashinbak assured NITDA of the institute’s dedication to fulfilling its duties and contributing to the success of the collaboration.

The Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), KashifuInuwa CCIE, reassured stakeholders that the agency’s regulations are not intended to stifle innovation but rather to foster growth and development in the digital space.

Inuwa made this remark during a Panel Discussion at the Business Day CEO Forum 2023 on ‘Charting a Course to Growth and Development’ which took place at Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos State.

The DG said that, NITDA’s regulations are designed to promote innovation by creating a level playing field for all players in the digital ecosystem, adding that the agency is committed to working with stakeholders to ensure that the regulations are implemented in a way that does not stifle innovation.

He said, NITDA as a regulator, is aware of the environment, technologies, and innovations by being intelligent in the way it regulates not stifle innovation, but rather to create a market for businesses to grow.

Inuwa acknowledged that while regulation is necessary, it should not impede the progress of innovation and hinder the growth of Startups and technology-driven businesses, as they strive to strike a delicate balance between enabling innovation and safeguarding the interests of consumers, investors, and the general public.

He noted that NITDA’s framework takes into account both rule-based and non-rule-based regulations, which according to him, the latter approach is favoured by the government, as it allows for collaboration with industry stakeholders to develop the sector and formulate recommendations for compliance.

He opined that there is need for flexibility in regulations, acknowledging that policies may need to be withdrawn and substituted if they are not effective in supporting the ecosystem.

“At NITDA, any intervention is designed to influence business, social and market behaviour, and we have four objectives for any regulatory instrument we are issuing” Firstly, it must create a market or domesticate access to products and services; Secondly, it must protect consumers; thirdly, it must enable innovation; and fourthly how it can improve service delivery.

“The Agency has in place diverse regulations and Policies like the Blockchain Policy, Artificial Intelligence Policy and the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), though NDPR has evolved into a full law and now a Commission was establishedand is in charge of data regulation, which our regulatory role gave birth to,” he said.

While quoting the Korn Ferry report, the DG said by 2030, there will be a global human talent shortage of more than 85 million people, or roughly equivalent to the population resulting in 8.5 trillion USD unrealised annual revenues.

“As we are moving towards digitisation, talent and knowledge-based economy, a company is as good as its next product and the next product is as good as the people who make it. We need to learn how to attract, retain and harness talent. Talent is the human component and a huge market for the advancement of the country.

The DG added that Nigeria with her young population, can seize the opportunity and position herself to become the global talent factory because she has proven that in sports, music and film industry.

Inuwa said the same can be done in technology and data, particularly cybersecurity, because cybercrime is the biggest venture in the world today according to Cybersecurity Ventures Magazine, which reported that cybercrime will cost the world about 8.1 trillion USD, which is bigger than all crimes combined. “So, as you digitise, cybersecurity is pivotal, you need to look into your cyber hygiene, build confidence and trust for your users” he added.

The DG stated that NITDA is working towards establishing Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) which is aimed at helping to build trust and confidence for all its digital services, bringing about growth and development thus attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDI).

The event was honoured with the presence of the Chairman of the African Development Bank (ADB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, Governor of Edo State, MrGodwin Obaseki, Governor of Jigawa State, Alh. Umar Namadi, CEO of MTN Group, Mr Ralph Mupika, Chairman, Shell Companies Nigeria, MrOsagie Okunbor and many other dignitaries.

The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, FNCS, has emphasized the potential for digital transformation to significantly impact Nigeria’s economy during the TechMyBiz Pitch-A-Thon event held at the Digital Transformation Center Nigeria (DTC Nigeria).

Inuwa stated that if MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) embrace digitization, they could experience a 26 percent increase in revenue and a 22 percent reduction in operating costs, resulting in a substantial contribution of $53 billion to Nigeria’s economy.

The TechMyBiz Pitch-a-thon event showcased digital innovations in Africa, with 50 selected participants vying for recognition, out of which 30 winners will be chosen.

Inuwa highlighted that digitization plays a pivotal role in enhancing operational excellence, business efficiency, productivity, revenue growth, and cost savings.

However, he also addressed challenges that must be overcome to fully realize the potential of digital transformation in MSMEs.

Inuwa stressed the need for innovation-friendly conditions, supportive organizations and platforms to assist MSMEs in digitization, robust digital infrastructure, and improved digital skills and literacy among the population.

Citing statistics from the DG of SMEDAN, Inuwa emphasized that MSMEs account for 96 percent of businesses, 83 percent of the workforce, and 43 percent of Nigeria’s GDP. By leveraging digital technology, these enterprises can experience exponential growth and transformative outcomes.

In conclusion, Inuwa highlighted the importance of digital sovereignty and emphasized the implementation of the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) by NITDA to address these challenges.

He also expressed optimism about the Start-up Act and its potential to create a favorable policy environment, enabling infrastructure, innovation clusters, and more.

The event was attended by representatives from the European Union (EU), ISN Board, and various industry experts, including Mr. Markus Wauschkuhn, Coordinator Commission Social Policy, Education, Employment, Research, and Culture (SEDEC), and Technical Lead Evaluation Expert Charles Emembolu.

The collaborative engagement sets Nigeria on a path to accelerate digitization by fostering the required environment, infrastructure, and skills.