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Stakeholders have emphasised the importance of prioritising robust data protection and cybersecurity measures to safeguard sensitive information and ensure digital resilience. This comes amidst growing concerns about data breaches and cyberattacks that can have consequences for individuals and organisations.
During the 12th edition of the Nigeria ICT Impact CEO Forum (NIICF) held over the weekend with the theme “Strengthening Data Protection, Cloud Infrastructure & Cyber Security”, the Chief Executive Officer of Digital Reality, Ike Nnamani, stressed the importance of cybersecurity in the context of data localisation. “While we’re exploring ways to strengthen local hosting, cybersecurity is paramount. Without robust security measures, mandating data localisation risks compromising sensitive information. It’s crucial to have open discussions about the necessary infrastructure and policies to ensure the secure management of critical sovereign data,” he said.
Nnamani said there is need for a government-led approach to creating a secure digital ecosystem. “We can’t ignore the importance of cybersecurity when discussing data localisation. Before promoting local hosting, we must prioritise the protection of sensitive data. The recent events highlight the government’s commitment to securing critical sovereign data. While I support this initiative, we must ensure that we have the right safeguards in place,” he said.
He called for government support in developing comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks, providing incentives for businesses to invest in security measures, and allocating resources for research and development in cybersecurity. “While we strive to strengthen local hosting, we need the government’s support to create a secure digital ecosystem,” he said.
Also in his own remark, the Chief Executive Officer, Net Access System Limited, Mr. Lekan Balogun highlighted the importance of strengthening data protection, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity, especially in light of the increasing reliance on the internet and digital services.
He emphasized the need for robust data protection measures to safeguard sensitive information in an era of growing cyber threats. The company stressed the importance of investing in necessary policies, infrastructure, and expertise to ensure a secure digital ecosystem.
Furthermore, Balogun highlighted the critical role of skilled professionals in addressing cybersecurity challenges. The company called for measures to retain and empower these professionals, including through internship programs and management training initiatives.
On his own part, the Chief Executive Officer, VDT Communications, Mr. Abiodun Omoniyi expressed his company’s commitment to advancing secure and efficient digital solutions, aligning with the goals of the forum. He highlighted its company longstanding partnership with the event and its dedication to quality, reliability, and innovation in the telecommunications industry.
Omoniyi emphasized the importance of strengthening digital infrastructure, deploying data privacy measures, and fortifying cybersecurity to build a resilient digital future for Africa. The company encouraged continued collaboration and innovation to drive the continent’s digital progress.
Tayo Adewusi, Publisher/Coordinator of NIICF & ADA, highlighted the crucial importance of data protection, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity in today’s digital age. He emphasized the need for robust data governance policies to ensure responsible handling of sensitive information.
He stressed the significance of compliance with regulations like GDPR and CCPA to safeguard individual privacy and enforce best practices noting the importance of securing cloud infrastructure through partnerships with reputable cloud service providers and adopting a shared responsibility model.
Adewusi highlighted the need for a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, including advanced threat detection systems, incident response plans, and employee training.
