NB247
Nigeria loses not less than $500 million annually to the activities of cyber criminals, according to the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Financial Crimes, Ginger Onwusibe.
Hon. Onwusibe, represented by the Clerk to the Committee, Austen Adesoro, made this assertion in his opening remarks during a national workshop on cyber and financial crimes organised by the committee in collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes commission (EFCC), in Abuja on Wednesday.
Themed: “Cyber and Financial Crimes Control for Effective Economic Social and Security Growth of the Nation,” the workshop drew participants from the public and private sector.
The committee chairman lauded the efforts of the EFCC in establishing a Cybercrime Centre, aimed at combating the criminal menace.
Onwusibe noted that the establishment of the centre would help combat cyber crimes, safeguard Nigeria’s economic stability and protect individuals and businesses.
He said the workshop would assist the participants in identifying internet crimes, create a secured and stable environment for businesses to operate and foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
He added that participants will also be availed with the knowledge on how to identify crimes associated with digital technologies among others.
He emphasised the dangers of several internet assisted crimes (Cyber crimes) which are increasingly posing a threat to Nigerians, its institutions, people and the general economy.
He cautioned that the menace must not be overlooked, given its impact on the reputation of the people and the dent and international odium it has brought on the country in the comity of nations
“Cybercrime is a threat against various institutions and people who are connected to the internet, either through their computers or mobile technologies,” he said, adding that ‘the exponential increase of the crime in society has become a strong issue that should not be overlooked.
He warned of the dire consequences and impact of the crime on the lives, economy and reputation of a nation
He acknowledged the benefits from the collaboration of both parliament and the anti-graft commission resulting in robust legislative frameworks in checkmating cyber and financial crimes, in addition to cooperation of both institutions in training participants from across the sectors that are in charge of public and private finances
He said the beneficiaries would in turn leverage prudent fiscal policies and effective financial management that will benefit the country.
He disclosed that the House was also looking at legislative interventions to safeguard cryptocurrency transactions in the country with a governance and regulatory system in line with global best practices.
