NIWIIT seeks partnership with EFCC to strengthen cybersecurity

An information and technology-driven group, the Nigerian Women in Information Technology (NWIIT), has sought collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to enhance cybersecurity in Nigeria.

The request was made on Tuesday when the group paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, at the Commission’s corporate headquarters in Abuja.

NWIIT President, Dr. Oluwakemi Ayodele, described the organisation as an interest group within the Nigerian Computer Society that advocates for, empowers and mentors women and girls in information technology, while also running the Women in Cyber Security Initiative.

According to her, the initiative is designed for women already working in cybersecurity or those interested in the field. She explained that the programme seeks to support organisations such as the EFCC through training and retraining programmes that would strengthen cybersecurity capacity and expand coverage across the country.

“We are looking out for organisations like the EFCC whose mandate aligns with this initiative, organisations that can support us and collaborate with us so that we can reach more people, states and communities in the area of cybersecurity,” she said.

Responding, Olukoyede, represented by the Secretary to the Commission, Mohammed Hammajoda, expressed appreciation for the visit and pledged the Commission’s support for the initiative, particularly in the area of cybersecurity training.

“The commission is willing and ready to support you. We will do so appropriately through our Academy and IT Department,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chief of Staff to the EFCC Chairman, Commander of the EFCC, CE Michael Nzekwe, welcomed the proposed partnership and stressed the importance of stakeholder collaboration in the fight against corruption, economic and financial crimes through enhanced cybersecurity.