DOHA, QATAR – In a decisive move to fortify Nigeria’s digital economy and national security, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, led a high-powered National Assembly delegation to a specialized UNODC summit in Qatar from February 1st to 4th.
The mission centered on the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Global Programme on Cybercrime, held at the newly inaugurated Regional Centre for Combating Cybercrime. Titled “Cybercrime Prevention: From Theory to Practice,” the intensive program provided Nigerian lawmakers and officials from the Ministries of Justice and Foreign Affairs with the technical “hardware” and legal strategies required to police the digital age.
Digital Security as an Economic Engine
Senator Salisu, representing Ogun Central, emphasized that this mission is a direct pillar of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ambitious goal to transition Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy.
“We cannot achieve this monumental economic target without first securing our digital frontiers,” Salisu stated. “Cybercrime poses a direct threat to the investment, innovation, and financial infrastructure that will power our growth. By building robust defenses, we are safeguarding the pathways to our nation’s prosperity.”
A “Force Multiplier” for National Security
Beyond economic stability, the Senator highlighted the intersection between cyber-intelligence and physical safety. The delegation explored how advanced digital forensics and investigative tools can act as a force multiplier for Nigeria’s broader security architecture, aiding in the fight against:
• Insurgency and Terrorism: Using data to track and disrupt communication.
• Financial Fraud: Protecting the integrity of the banking sector.
• Sovereign Threats: Strengthening international cooperation to thwart external actors.
The Path Forward
Senator Salisu reaffirmed his commitment to translating the insights gained in Doha into actionable policies. As the legislative lead on ICT, he signaled that Nigerians can expect new frameworks designed to protect citizens while fostering an environment where digital enterprise can thrive without fear of interference.
“We are acting decisively,” the Senator concluded. “This work is foundational to our sovereign future.”
