The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has intensified efforts to strengthen its cybersecurity architecture by training its personnel on cyber threat awareness, data protection and digital security practices.
This is contained in a statement by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Mr Akinsola Akinlabi on Friday in Abuja.
Declaring the programme open, the NIS Comptroller General, Kemi Nandap, stressed the need for all personnel to take collective responsibility for cybersecurity.
Nandap was ably represented by the DCG, in charge of Planning, Research and Statistics Directorate, Mr Dauda Bagari.
The NIS boss said the initiative underscored NIS commitment to strengthening data security, enhancing staff capacity and promoting a culture of vigilance, discipline and responsible digital practices.
She said that the effort was in support of effective migration management, improved border governance and enhanced national security.
According to her, the Service, as a custodian of critical national data, remained a high-value target for cybercriminals and other hostile actors.
Nandap said as the Service continued to expand its digital capabilities, safeguarding information assets and digital infrastructure had become more critical than ever.
The Comptroller General also urged the ICT and Cybersecurity Directorate to extend similar awareness programmes to all NIS formations nationwide in order to strengthen institutional resilience against cyber threats.
In her remarks, Mrs Augusta Obianime, the Deputy Comptroller-General (DCG) in charge of ICT and Cybersecurity Directorate said the initiative was aimed at deepening cybersecurity awareness.
“It also aimed at strengthening the Service’s resilience against emerging cyber threats”she said.
She commended the Comptroller- General for her commitment to reforms, digital transformation and institutional capacity development within the Service.
She said the programme would enhance officers’ understanding of cyber risks, improve data security practices and build their capacity.
This, she said, would be to protect critical data systems, digital infrastructure and sensitive national information.
“The awareness programme is a continuation of ongoing efforts by the Service to promote a robust cybersecurity culture across all levels of its operations,” she said.
Participants were exposed to practical insights on cyber threat prevention, cybercrime investigation and international collaboration in tackling digital crimes.
The programme featured presentations on “Building a Cyber-Aware NIS”, “NIS Threat Landscape and Threat Analysis,” and “Cybercrime Foundations and Intelligence in the Digital Era.”
NAN reports that the two-day Cybersecurity Awareness Programme, themed “Cyber-Aware Nigeria Immigration Service,” was organised by the Service’s ICT and Cybersecurity Directorate at the NIS Headquarters in Abuja.
