Nigeria Computer Society decries non-inclusion in cybersecurity council – ITREALMS

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Foremost Computer and Information Technology (IT) professional umbrella association in the country, the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has lamented non-inclusion in the Cybercrime Advisory Council (CAC), reports ITREALMS.

Largely described as embarrassing by stakeholders, as NCS roles and contributions to a safer cyber space in the country cannot be over-emphasised.

ITREALMS gathered that the Cybercrime Advisory Council (CAC) was established under the Cybercrimes Act 2015 and saddled with the responsibility for the formulation and provision of general policy guidelines for preventing and combating cybercrimes, and the promotion of cyber security in Nigeria

Additionally, ITREALMS gathered that the Cybercrime Advisory Council comprises of a representative each of the Ministries, Departments and Agencies listed under the first schedule of the Cybercrimes Act 2024 as amended without the inclusion of NCS as professional umbrella body.

Reacting to the non-inclusion in the cybersecurity council in the recently amended Cybersecurity Act 2024, NCS president, Dr. Muhammad Sirajo Aliyu to ITREALMS, described it as a big error in handling of the reversed Act and on an issue as cyber security.

“The non-inclusion of the NCS in the Cybersecurity Council, as stated in the amended Cybercrime Act 2024, is a matter of concern,” he decried.

As a key stakeholder in Nigeria's cybersecurity ecosystem, Dr. Aliyu said that the NCS is committed to continuously contributing its expertise and resources towards enhancing national cybersecurity.

"We urge relevant authorities to reconsider this decision and ensure that all relevant stakeholders are adequately represented in decision-making processes concerning cybersecurity," Dr. Aliyu told ITREALMS.

Further, ITREALMS report that Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) was formed in 2001 to replace Computer Association of Nigeria (COAN), which was established in 1978; to serve as the umbrella body for Computer and Information Technology profession and industry in the country.

The CAC is currently chaired by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major-Gen Babagana Monguno, retired.