Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Berkeley Data Strategists, Adetokunbo Ajibola, has stressed the need for governments to adopt data management to address its national security challenges in the country.

According to him, effective data management allows for the efficient collection, storage, and analysis of intelligence. This can include information from various sources such as surveillance, communications intercepts, and open-source data. Proper management of this data is essential for identifying threats, understanding enemy capabilities, and making informed strategic decisions.

Ajibola said data management is crucial in counterterrorism operations. It enables the integration and analysis of vast amounts of data to track and prevent terrorist activities, identify networks, and understand their patterns and plans.

He said, that in an era where cyber threats are increasingly prevalent, robust data management systems are necessary for monitoring, detecting, and responding to cyber-attacks. This involves managing a large volume of data related to network traffic, threat intelligence, and incident response.

However, he maintained that managing data effectively aids in monitoring and controlling national borders. This includes processing and analyzing information related to travelers, cargo, and potential threats.

National security involves various agencies and departments. Effective data management ensures that relevant information is shared timely and securely, enhancing coordination and communication.

High-quality, well-managed data provides the foundation for sound decision-making at the highest levels of government, impacting policy and strategy related to national defense and security.

Risk Assessment and Management.

Data management helps in assessing risks and threats from both internal and external sources.

It enables the prediction of potential security issues and the development of strategies to mitigate them.

By analysing data, national security agencies can allocate their resources more effectively, ensuring that efforts and funds are directed where they are most needed.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance, he noted that proper data management ensures that national security practices comply with legal and regulatory frameworks, which is crucial for maintaining public trust and international cooperation.

Ajibola stresses that technological Advancements, and the ability to manage and exploit emerging technologies (like AI, machine learning, and big data analytics) for national security purposes hinges on robust data management practices.

In conclusion, Ajibola maintained that data management is indispensable for national security, facilitating informed decision-making, efficient operations, and effective response to threats while ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards, he added.