The European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (ROLAC II) Programme of International IDEA has stressed the need for unwavering dedication and collective action among anti-graft agencies, state governors, and relevant stakeholders in the fight against cybercrime.
Head of Programme, International IDEA, Danladi Plang, made the call yesterday in Abuja during a chat with journalists after the Cybercrime Prevention Summit, themed: “Alternative to Cybercrime: Optimising Cyber Skills for National Security.”
The Summit was organised by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in collaboration with the EU-ROLAC II Programme of the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).
Plang urged stakeholders to harness the power of collaboration in advancing shared goals of security and development for the country.
He reiterated the importance of improving digital education in Nigeria, stating that the increase in technology has attracted the attention of criminals, especially among Nigerian youth.
He said,”Because we use technology, which offers us easy ways and convenience for information transfer and storage—especially in the cloud—it has also increased the attention of criminals. And that is why we have cybercrime.
“As technology progresses and our reliance on it escalates, cybercrime has also intensified. We have a large population of young people who are not only young but also very versatile in the use of technology.
“When federal government agencies—whether it is the EFCC, ICPC, or other agencies—perform their roles, it is imperative that all arms of government, including the states, support them. When they succeed, it is our collective success. When they fail, it is our collective failure.”
Plang affirmed the organisation’s readiness to support Nigeria’s fight against cybercrime and other forms of crime, saying:
He added, “We stand strongly behind you, supporting your efforts to combat economic and financial crimes, as well as corruption in Nigeria. Cybercrime is not just a Nigerian problem—it is global.
“For us at International IDEA, we will continue to support efforts to fight not only cybercrime but other crimes too. Your success is the success of the country, and if you fail, the country fails.
“However, this effort must be conscious and deliberate—it won’t happen overnight. This summit offers an opportunity to increase public awareness of cybercrime and strengthen our legal and policy measures.
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“I am glad that this will not just be talk but also action. As a first step, the EFCC will be launching its Cybercrime Rapid Response Center today. The involvement of our Royal Fathers is equally crucial, as this will be a community effort.”
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, also stressed the need for a multi-dimensional approach to combating cybercrime, highlighting the importance of involving various stakeholders.
She noted that cybercrime is not only a threat to individuals or businesses but also an assault on collective integrity, the nation’s economic stability, and the future of the youth.
Senator Tinubu urged parents to guide their children by instilling good values, morals, and patriotism.
“We must emphasise and entrench the culture of hard work rooted in honesty and the dignity of labour among our youth.
“Parents play a pivotal role in raising children who are God-fearing. Bonds of trust and understanding should be built between parents and children to foster open communication, allowing their fears and insecurities to be addressed,” she said.
