NDC Champions Cyber Security Excellence With Intensive Hands On Training In Abuja
The Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC) Nigeria, Rear Admiral James Okosun has officially declared open a five-day hands-on training programme on Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics. The training, hosted at the NDC Complex in Abuja, drew participants from the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Nigeria Police Force, intelligence and security agencies, as well as relevant ministries, departments and agencies. While declaring the event open, Rear Admiral Okosun highlighted the immense potential of cyberspace in driving economic growth, strengthening national security, and enhancing socio-political development. He emphasised that cybersecurity remains a vital national asset and an indispensable tool for sustainable development.
The Commandant noted that the Federal Government’s launch of the National Broadband Plan in March 2020 marked a significant policy step in integrating internet technology into the daily lives of Nigerians. This initiative, he said, has accelerated the adoption of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
Rear Admiral Okosun also disclosed that Nigeria is currently classified within Tier 3 countries with expanding digital infrastructure working towards the development of comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks. However, he observed that the nation still faces significant challenges in closing the cyber capacity gap, particularly in areas of skilled manpower, equipment, staffing, and funding. He referenced countries such as Ghana, Kenya, Mauritius, and Rwanda, which currently maintain Tier 1 status due to their advanced capabilities in digital information protection and online safety. He reaffirmed NDC Nigeria’s commitment to supporting such capacity-building initiatives, particularly through its Centre for Strategic Research and Studies (CSRS), and lauded the collaboration with Bave Tech Limited in organising the training. “The College attaches utmost importance to this training as part of its strategic capacity-building mandate. It will no doubt enrich and empower participants with the critical skills needed to mitigate cyber threats across the country,” Rear Admiral Okosun concluded.
In his remarks, the Provost of the Centre for Strategic Research and Studies, Professor Adam Okene Ahmed, underscored the benefits of digitisation and the internet in enhancing efficiency across personal, corporate, and governmental activities. However, he also warned that these benefits come with growing risks in the form of cybercrime, which he described as increasingly sophisticated, elusive, and difficult to investigate. He stressed the importance of data-driven approaches and skilled manpower in combating cyber threats, noting that these crimes pose serious challenges to national security. Professor Okene stated that the objective of the training is to provide participants with hands-on knowledge in Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics, improve awareness, and equip them with practical skills to counter cyber threats effectively.
