EFCC, RoLAC II Partner To Host National Cybercrime Summit

ABUJA, THE NEWSHAUS – In order to combat the growing threat of cybercrime, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will collaborate with the EU-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC-Phase II) Programme of the International Institute of Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) to hold a National Summit on Cybercrime Prevention.

The summit, Alternative to Cybercrimes: Optimising Cyber Skills for National Development, is scheduled for Tuesday, October 22, 2024, and will bring stakeholders together to discuss the dangers of cybercrime and its negative effects on Nigeria’s economy, financial systems, and citizens’ safety.

The event will also see the official launch of the EFCC’s 24/7 Cybercrime Rapid Response Centre (E-CR2C), a critical initiative aimed at combating cybercrime threats and incidents.

The E-CR2C will function as a one-stop shop for receiving, investigating, and enforcing court orders against suspected cybercrime activity.

“This summit and the launch of the E-CR2C are critical measures to address emerging digital challenges and strengthen anti-corruption reforms in Nigeria,” Mr. Murkthar Suleiman, Communications Officer of RoLAC II, International IDEA, stated in a media advisory.

The summit aims to achieve several objectives, including:

Raising Awareness: Educating citizens, especially youths and parents, about the risks and consequences of cybercrime.

Prevention: Promoting alternative uses of cyber skills for national development, shifting the focus from criminal activity to constructive utilisation.

Justice Sector Enhancement: Consolidating reforms in the justice and anti-corruption sectors to effectively combat cybercrime.

The event will feature an essay competition for select school students focused on the negative impact of cybercrime, as well as the launch of a digital response centre where citizens can report cybercrime incidents.

The European Union-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) Programme Phase II, which is being implemented by International IDEA in Nigeria, is critical to strengthening the country’s justice system and promoting transparency and accountability.

  The programme’s ultimate goal is to strengthen the rule of law and anti-corruption reforms in Nigeria.

International IDEA, a 35-member State Inter-Governmental Organisation, works to promote global democracy and the development of democratic institutions and cultures.

This summit, co-hosted by the EFCC and International IDEA, highlights their shared commitment to combating cybercrime and protecting Nigeria’s digital future.