Several people across the world are still of the view that Nigeria is still facing various national security challenges, despite strong strategic initiatives, hence would need a robust security policy action plan to keep the country intact.
They feel so, because of the following: institutional collapse, failure of critical institutions of state, internal systems collapse and failure of key internal safety systems.
These are worrying signals of a failed state and concerned institutions and corporate bodies in the country are rallying support to steady the polity.
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Among such corporate entities is the Computer Professionals of Nigeria (CPN), a registration council in the country, which has expressed deep concerns and decided to awaken the consciousness of a strong national security.
To this end, the umbrella body of all computer practitioners in the country has decided to hinge the theme of its forthcoming annual Information Technology, IT Professionals’ Assembly/AGM on the cause.
Speaking to newsmen during the Assembly which took place between May 18-19, 2002 at the NAF Conference Centre Kado, Abuja, the President of the council, Kole Jagun disclosed the reason for the theme “Leveraging IT for National Security and Economic Stability”.
Jagun stated the theme was to draw home the consciousness that National security was important not only to the government, but to the nation as a whole.
He said, “IT deals with the use of electronic computers and computer software to convert, store, protect, process, transmit, and securely retrieve information.
“Today, the term information has ballooned to encompass many aspects of computing and technology, and the term has become very recognizable. Specifically, IT will help enable the nation to identify potential threats, share information more readily”.
The CPN hinted that the assembly would consider, among other things, the relationships and the interplays, and how Information Technology (IT) could be leveraged to improve national security and economic stability.
Jagun went further to state that from the deliberations, the Assembly would come up with formidable findings as well as critical recommendations that would be geared towards deploying advanced and reliable technologies through effective partnerships that promote economic, technological, and national competitiveness.
It’s noteworthy IT Assembly is an exclusive networking event for senior IT decision makers, consultants, upcoming IT entrepreneurs, start–ups, practitioners, teachers and systems administrators.
The Assembly is also a platform for some of the industry’s most innovative technology distribution and service providers to showcase their products and services; and for participants to appreciate the emerging technologies, trends, and risks that are associated with transforming the various industries using IT.
According to Jagun, “the annual Assembly has taken a new structure in line with the dictates of the moment ushered by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. In year 2020, for example, it held purely as a virtual event, and last year, the event held as a hybrid event.
“This year’s edition will also be a hybrid event as it is the practice with programmes of its kind all over the world.” he added.
The CPN President was optimistic that because IT plays a significant role in the security and economic stability of any country, it would continue to strengthen Nigeria’s national security against future threats and cyber-attacks.
He said, “Information technology can help countries to identify potential threats, share information easily, and protect mechanisms in them”.
Acknowledging the inevitable impact of IT on national growth and development, it’s needless to state that the Nigerian government is required to expedite actions to ensure every authority domiciled in the country leverages the numerous benefits of the tool in question.
This can only be duly achieved by making strong and wholesome policies that would encourage and improve IT operations, as well as ensure adequate implementation.