The Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA) has directed its members to resume petroleum product deliveries to telecom tower operator IHS and other telecommunications companies, following a temporary suspension over unpaid debts running into billions of naira.

NOGASA’s National President, Bennett Okorie, announced the decision at a press briefing in Abuja on Saturday, citing interventions by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). According to him, both agencies assured the union that the dispute would be resolved amicably starting Monday.

The association had earlier halted fuel supplies to IHS and other telecom operators, warning that the action could disrupt mobile network services across the country.

Okorie said the suspension of service withdrawal will last for seven days, during which members are expected to provide 24-hour deliveries to replenish fuel stock at affected sites.

“In the interest of energy security and Nigerians, we have resolved to resume our services immediately at the affected depots,” he stated. “However, if the debts remain unpaid within the given period, members will withdraw services without further notice.”

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When Nigeria hosted its maiden National Cybersecurity Conference in Abuja, it did more than convene policymakers and professionals. It marked a watershed moment in the country’s digital journey—a strategic shift from reactive firefighting to proactive cybersecurity planning.

For too long, Nigeria’s tech-driven growth was shadowed by growing cyber threats met with minimal coordination. But the conference, jointly organized by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), signaled a new era of assertiveness and strategic clarity.

As National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu declared: “We will fight you if you are a bad man wherever you are.” That unflinching statement encapsulates Nigeria’s new tone—cybersecurity is no longer a backroom tech issue. It is now front and center in national security discourse, commanding attention and decisive action.

Cyberattacks in Nigeria have become relentless and indiscriminate, targeting banks, telecoms, startups, public agencies, and educational institutions. The conference brought together stakeholders from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), security agencies, and private sector giants. The message was clear: Nigeria’s digital security is now inseparable from its national security.

What made the conference especially timely was its recognition that cyber threats cannot be fought in silos. Presentations revolved around a central question: How can Nigeria restore public trust in digital systems amid rising online fraud, misinformation, and data breaches? The answer wasn’t firewalls or buzzwords. Instead, it called for a systemic overhaul—new mindsets, infrastructure upgrades, legal reforms, and joint accountability.

The numbers speak volumes. In 2023, Nigeria lost ₦17.67 billion to fraud. By 2024, that figure skyrocketed to ₦52.26 billion—a nearly 200% increase. These are not just statistics. They represent shattered lives, defrauded businesses, and eroded confidence in the digital economy. The impact stretches far beyond formal financial systems, affecting countless Nigerians on informal and unregulated platforms.

Daily, citizens face phishing scams, identity theft, fraudulent apps, and cloned bank accounts. Public institutions are not spared either. Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have reported serious breaches, exposing the fragility of government systems in the absence of strong cybersecurity protocols.

Beyond economic loss, the digital insecurity threatens investor confidence. If users cannot trust banking apps, payment gateways, or government e-portals, then the promise of digital inclusion will give way to widespread digital disillusionment. That is why cybersecurity must be recognized as a national development imperative, not just an IT policy.

A key outcome of the conference was the reaffirmation that no single agency can secure Nigeria’s cyberspace alone. A coordinated, multi-agency response is now required. ONSA brings strategic direction and national security focus. NITDA is central to data protection and capacity building. NCC oversees critical telecom infrastructure. CBN guards the financial system, while EFCC prosecutes financial and cyber fraud. Together, they represent a united front in the evolving digital battlefield.

At the heart of this new architecture is the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCCC), unveiled during the conference. Designed as a digital defense hub, the NCCC enables real-time monitoring, threat detection, and incident response. It consolidates intelligence from across government and private entities—an essential feature in an era where ransomware attacks can cripple entire ministries in minutes.

Importantly, the NCCC is also a platform for national and international collaboration. It connects with Computer Emergency Readiness Teams (CERTs), digital forensics units, and regulatory agencies. But for this infrastructure to be effective, coordination must go beyond symbolism. It must translate into operational synergy: shared simulations, joint investigations, and instant intelligence exchange.

Private sector involvement is crucial. Financial institutions, telecom providers, fintech startups, and e-commerce platforms are both frequent targets and frontline responders. Yet, cybersecurity often remains buried in IT departments, treated as a cost center rather than a strategic investment. Many companies underreport breaches, lack detection tools, and delay responses.

The conference made it clear: cyber defense must be a shared responsibility. Public-private partnerships must move from token cooperation to robust collaboration. This means threat intelligence sharing, co-designed training programs, and sector-specific security frameworks. Big tech firms should lead with expertise, while small businesses must be empowered with tools, awareness, and incentives.

Despite these steps forward, three pressing challenges remain: cyber insurance, skilled manpower, and indigenous innovation. Nigeria cannot depend solely on foreign technologies to fight sophisticated digital threats. With an estimated 25,000 cybersecurity professionals for a population exceeding 240 million, there is an urgent need for more local talent. This demands investment in education, certification, and R&D.

A secure digital Nigeria is possible, but only through urgency, leadership, and inclusive collaboration. The Abuja conference laid the groundwork, but implementation must follow swiftly. ONSA must coordinate national efforts with clear benchmarks. NITDA, NCC, and CBN must harmonize mandates and reduce overlap. The EFCC must receive tools to investigate and prosecute cross-border cybercrime.

But ultimately, the battle for digital resilience will be won not just in command centers and boardrooms—but in culture. Cybersecurity must become a civic value. It must be embedded in school curricula, professional training, and everyday digital behavior. A digitally secure Nigeria depends not just on policy but on people.

In this digital age, resilience is not just about systems—it’s about trust. And trust must be earned through transparency, vigilance, and shared responsibility. Nigeria has now taken its first major step. The time to act—decisively and collectively—is now.

Shuaib S. Agaka is a tech journalist based in Kano State.

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By Segun H. Olugbile

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recently released its 5th Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 (GCI 2024), which assesses countries’ commitment to cybersecurity based on the framework’s five pillars: legal measures, technical measures, organisational measures, capacity development, and cooperation. Nigeria is categorised within the tier-3 nations in the GCI 2024 report, which signifies that the country is experiencing a rise in digital service provisions and increasing online access for the populace but has failed to integrate cybersecurity measures into the fundamental socio-economic and digital connectivity strategies.

Nigeria, among the top five African countries in the 2018 GCI report, has now fallen behind. In the 2024 report, Ghana, previously ranked 11th, has surpassed Nigeria and is now listed among the tier-1 countries. This decline in Nigeria’s cybersecurity performance is a direct consequence of the country’s failure to implement and direct its national cybersecurity program effectively.

The recent government Designation and Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure Order (2024), officially gazetted, is a commendable step. The designation criminalised attacks on any classified infrastructure listed in the Order as a national security offence. Nigeria has implemented various measures to address cybersecurity challenges. These include amending the Cybercrime Act in 2015, enacting the Nigeria Data Protection Act in 2023, creating a national cybersecurity policy and strategy, and establishing a National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). These efforts have helped the nation achieve the ITU GCI Tier-3 level ranking, which is not very impressive.  ITU recognises that the ICT sector has substantially impacted the nation’s growth in digital services and an increase in the online population. This is reflected in the Q4 2023 report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), indicating the ICT sector contributed 16.66% to Nigeria’s real GDP. This is an increase from the 16.22% recorded during the same period in the previous year.

However, there remains a deficiency in the pragmatic integration of cybersecurity within national economic sectors and developmental objectives. There is an urgent need to reassess the country’s approach and address the nation’s digital economy’s weaknesses and inherent vulnerability. There is a misconception about the governance, accountability, and operationalisation of the country’s national cybersecurity, especially given the recent public reaction resulting from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s directive on cybersecurity levy.

Regrettably, the current national approach repeatedly faces challenges in moving the country forward in this regard. The challenges are apparent within the current institutional arrangement, which is inadequate in legal, technical, and capacity development expertise and lacks the necessary drive to consistently realise this fundamental national cybersecurity developmental objective over the past years. The existing institutional framework is inadequate owing to a conservative and regimented operational approach, redundancy, and rigid bureaucratic structures that hinder progress in domestic cybersecurity. Implementing a national cybersecurity programme requires a dynamic and adaptable approach and such requirements cannot be underestimated given the swiftly changing landscape of cyber threats.

In many countries, a national security agency serves as the authority responsible for overseeing cybersecurity measures. While the role of the security sector in cybersecurity is undeniably critical, it is plausible that security actors may not exhibit the necessary adaptability to govern the cybersecurity ecosystem within the country effectively.  The ONSA’s primary objective in its law is coordinating intelligence activities, such as intelligence collection. This task could potentially hinder the objective of delivering a fast-paced and inclusive domestic cybersecurity programme. The approach would also stifle the country’s cybersecurity developmental initiative, escalate privacy apprehensions, and undermine the necessity for innovation and trust-building. However, the Defence Space Agency (DSA) already provides cyberspace defence capabilities for the military, security, and intelligence entities. It is guided by the statutory mandate to safeguard the nation from existential cyber threats while overseeing and protecting affiliated security agencies (Defence Space Administration Act, 2016). The DSA framework effectively handles the country’s military and security dimension of cyberspace from the existential threat perspective.

The Domestic Cybersecurity Programme (DCP) should shift towards a civilian-centric leadership rather than a security intelligence-centric approach. The shared key success factor behind the success of the best-performing African countries listed in the recent ITU GCI 1-tier is derived from their role-modelling approach to implementing civilian-led cybersecurity.   For instance, Ghana has been acknowledged as the top-tier-performing African country in cybersecurity. The country has integrated a citizen-centric, multistakeholder strategy at the core of its efforts to address its cybersecurity challenges. In contrast, Nigeria’s security-driven approach has demonstrated limited performance with stunted growth over several years despite having previously led the way among African nations.

Civilian-led leadership would fast-track and transform most aspects of the nation’s cybersecurity policy and strategy through a multi-stakeholder governance and accountability framework. The approach would redefine interagency responsibilities and deliver a better responsive capability. Nigeria should learn significantly from Ghana’s approach in fostering cyber capabilities and trust between government and citizens while mitigating threats effectively. Achieving Nigeria’s cybersecurity programme requires expertise across civilian sectors. Neglecting these facts is counter-productive and stifles national cybersecurity capability and growth.

A security-centric approach to national cybersecurity hinders international cooperation, as other countries would hesitate to collaborate with an intelligence agency based on trust and innovation deficiency. The amended Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 lacks an adequate legal framework to empower the current approach to regulating, enforcing, or overseeing cyber-related breach investigations and cybersecurity development. The country lacks adequate focus and direction in cooperation, technical, management, and capacity development in implementing overarching cybersecurity regulations for the domestic space.  Nigeria is a major digital economy player and cannot afford to maintain its current approach, which has persistently stifled significant investment and research opportunities in cybersecurity.

The country should avoid disputes on cross-border digital services and data transfers, which may evolve through the trade agreements established under the General Agreement on Trade in Services of the World Trade Organization (GATS) and the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). These agreements are designed to facilitate the formation of a unified continental market for goods and services in Africa, including digital products and services. Such frameworks emphasise the necessity of meaningful cyber-diplomacy and regulatory cooperation in addressing cybersecurity-related incidents rather than depending exclusively on exceptions for intelligence security. Establishing a transparent and accountable civilian-led agency for domestic cybersecurity programmes to oversee local regulation for developing the nation’s cybersecurity industry in partnership with the private sector with proactive international cooperation is paramount in the current reality.

Should the Federal Government continue to use the current security-centric arrangement for the national cybersecurity initiative, the nation would continue to face challenges associated with this decision and waning confidence from the domestic stakeholders. Overly rigorous security measures and a deficit in transparency would obstruct progress in cybersecurity. The public would increasingly express apprehensions regarding possible violations of constitutional privacy rights, coupled with a stagnation in innovation that could have significant consequences for individuals, enterprises, and the country in general.

Presently, cybersecurity measures are implemented in silos among public and private sector institutions, and innovations through R&D remain stunted. Over 5,000 Nigerian youths are actively pursuing careers in cybersecurity and related academic programs at various universities and educational institutions. Establishing a thriving cybersecurity industry within an efficient and transparent regulatory framework has the potential to offer promising career prospects for Nigerian youths. Otherwise, the nation faces the risk of these youths being enticed by cybercriminal syndicates, leading to losing their talents within the depths of the dark web.

I urge the President to swiftly reassess the National Cybersecurity Programme in line with the nation’s best economic interests, prioritising balancing privacy, security, innovation, and maintaining public trust through a transparent and accountable governance system. Achieving a collective and sustainable national cybersecurity programme requires civilian-centric institutional leadership with a multistakeholder governance model. This rescoping should be facilitated with immediate intervention from the President.

Mr. President should consider the following recommendations which are critically essential in addressing these concerns:

i.             Set up expert panel from the government, private sector, technical and professional bodies, and civil society organisations to review and recommend changes to the current cybersecurity governance structure to align national cybersecurity efforts with established laws and best practices.

ii.             Issue an executive order to establish a new civilian-led agency to implement a national cybersecurity programme in line with the administration’s regulatory and economic development programme.

iii.             Designate a civilian cybersecurity advisor to provide strategic counsel and direction to the administration in forming an appropriate coordination framework within a national context that is aligned with regional and international standards while supervising national cybersecurity development initiatives.

iv.             Request the National Assembly’s cooperation in assessing the Amended Cybercrime Act 2015 to establish a thorough unifying framework and institutional arrangement for cybersecurity. The review should facilitate the creation of a holistic national cybersecurity legal framework that considers various measures such as technical aspects, institutional structures, innovative regulations, workforce capacity, and industry advancement, thereby strengthening the country’s capabilities.

v.             Direct the implementation of the reforms and clarify ONSA’s role in focusing on cybersecurity for intelligence gathering purposes only, in accordance with its constitutional mandate and National Security Strategy.

vi.             Ensure adequate funding and resources are designated for the establishment of a civilian-led cybersecurity agency that operates under a self-sustainability model.

This recommendation is strategic to the country’s ownership of its cybersecurity programme.

The President’s review of these recommendations would help to address public mistrust, promote transparency and accountability through co-funding regulatory measures that would attract private sector investments, and stimulate economic growth in the cybersecurity sector. Consequently, new industries would emerge, leading to increased foreign exchange earnings and job opportunities, which would align with the administration’s development goals.

Segun H. Olugbile 
Segun Olugbile is a public policy adviser on cybersecurity and a leading contributor to strategic digital development initiatives. He can be reached through email:  solugbile@gmail.com

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The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has revealed disturbing cases of individuals registering over 100,000 SIM cards in their names, posing a significant threat to national security.

This discovery was made through a joint effort with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) during the ongoing National Identification Number (NIN)-SIM linkage exercise.Under the NIN-SIM linkage policy, individuals are permitted to register a maximum of four SIM cards per network operator, excluding SIMs for use in Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as wearables and trackers.

However, the NCC’s findings indicate that some people have far exceeded this limit, raising concerns about the potential misuse of these SIM cards.

In a statement signed by Reuben Muoka, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, the Commission emphasized the need to crack down on the sale of pre-registered SIMs and strengthen national security.

“Through collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the NCC has uncovered alarming cases where individuals possessed an unusually high number of SIM cards—some exceeding 100,000,” the statement read.

The telecom regulator stressed that linking all SIM cards to NINs is crucial for bolstering the security and trust of Nigeria’s digital economy.

By ensuring that all mobile users are verified, the policy aims to enhance confidence in digital transactions, mitigate fraud and cybercrime risks, and support the growth of e-commerce, digital banking, and mobile money services.

The NCC added that these measures would further promote financial inclusion and drive economic growth.The NCC also reminded the public that selling or purchasing pre-registered SIMs is a criminal offense punishable by fines and imprisonment.

It urged Nigerians to report any such activities to the Commission through its toll-free line or social media platforms.The revelation of this unusual SIM card ownership comes as the NCC announces a final deadline of September 14, 2024, for all telecom subscribers to link their SIMs with their NIN and get them verified.

The Commission warned that any SIM cards not linked by the deadline would be blocked by network operators starting September 15, 2024.

This announcement follows the temporary barring of millions of lines in late July after subscribers missed the initial July 31 deadline.

The NCC has since granted an extension to allow subscribers more time to complete their NIN-SIM linkage.With the September deadline looming, the NCC reiterated its expectation that every SIM operating in Nigeria would be linked to a valid NIN by mid-September to enhance national security and ensure the integrity of mobile communications across the country.

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The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has retracted its earlier directive mandating a 0.5% cybersecurity levy on electronic transactions. The move comes in response to widespread public backlash and a subsequent suspension of the levy by the Federal Government.

The initial directive, issued in a circular on May 6, 2024, instructed deposit money banks, mobile money operators, and payment service providers to deduct the levy and remit it to the National Cybersecurity Fund (NCF). The NCF is managed by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The announcement of this policy quickly led to public outrage, with labor unions threatening actions and various pressure groups criticizing the timing, given the current cost of living crisis and rising inflation.

In light of the controversy, Information Minister Mohammed Idris announced on May 14, 2024, that the Federal Government had decided to suspend the levy.

Following this, the CBN issued a new circular on May 17, 2024, officially withdrawing the previous directive. The latest circular, signed by Chibuzo Efobi, Director of Payments System Management Department, and Haruna Mustafa, Director of Financial Policy and Regulation Department, instructed all financial institutions to disregard the earlier instructions on the cybersecurity levy.

This retraction marks a significant response by the CBN to the concerns raised by the public and stakeholders within the financial sector.

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A renowned cybersecurity expert, Mr Segun Olugbile, has endorsed the cybersecurity levy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) but with cautions.

Speaking to PRNigeria, Olugbile, who is the president and co-founder of Global Network for Cybersolution (GNC), said the CBN policy is a rehash of a law that has been there for many years, adding that the recent development is in the best interest of the country.

“The cybersecurity levy has been in place since 2015 and it is meant to fund cybersecurity initiatives, but there were issues with interpretation and application. The recent 0.5% levy aims to provide clarity and funding for cybersecurity, targeting specific industries. Funding for cybersecurity initiatives must be internal to ensure sustainability and avoid dependence on external sources.

“As a nation, we need sustainable National funding for cybersecurity and counterterrorism. Cybersecurity is a strategic component of National Security. The nation has a robust national cybersecurity strategy that remains unimplemented due to poor funding and a lack of understanding of the critical nature of digital infrastructures. Nigeria must fund its cybersecurity and counter-terrorism program not by foreign aid.

“We must own it and not dance to the tune of the donors. I commend the NSA, the CBN and other stakeholders that made this happen. The Cybersecurity levy has always been there in the Act since 2015, but the conflicting challenges in interpretations and applications of the provision made it difficult to implement.

“However, institutional accountability and inclusive engagement should now be the necessary common doctrine for the success of the cybersecurity program. The approach to national cybersecurity should no longer be the same as before.

“My key concern now is the operational viability of the implementing agency, since ONSA is now transiting from national security coordination and policy advisory to implementer of policy, the ONSA now needs to embark on a comprehensive review of the need for the setting up a National Cybersecurity Agency, accommodate contributions and engagement of stakeholders with strategic communication on key national values of the cybersecurity levy. It is about safeguarding the digital future of Nigeria.

“The government has already provided exceptions to shield other vulnerable investments and transactions. The impact of the cybersecurity levy should be matched with a strong commitment to monitor the activities of the implementers and ensure good governance and accountability,” he said.

Mr Olugbile tackled organised labour and opposition figures who he said are seeking to make political capital out of the policy, adding that there is a lot of ignorance among the populace on the necessity of the levy.

He noted further that all countries of the world invest a lot fortunes on protecting their cyberspace.

According to a circular recently issued by the CBN to various financial institutions including commercial, merchant, non-interest, and payment service banks, a 0.5 per cent cybersecurity levy would come into effect from May 20.

While a lot of Nigerians have kicked against the policy and organised labour said it is exploitative, Olugbile, however, said the levy will not affect most Nigerians since it doesn’t include salary payments among other exceptions.

Other exceptions include same bank transactions, loan repayments and disbursements, charitable organisations payments, payments for educational pursuits including tuition among others.

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TECHDIGEST – He is a consummate writer and crisis-communicator par excellence. A distinguished public relations practitioner of sterling quality, his ingenuity has won him both local and international recognitions. While pursuing Islamic studies in the university, he took Mass Communication as an optional course – a decision that would later become pivotal to his career trajectory. Behind him are years of shining brilliantly as a public servant. The public relations expert and Chief Executive Officer of Image Merchants Promotion, Yushau Shuaib, tells Funke Olaode what spurred his interest in building a career as a publicist with a great panache.

He is one of the outstanding media professionals to emerge from the North. Through public service, he had distinguished himself and left with his head high. Yushau Shuaib, Chief Executive Officer of Image Merchants Promotions is renowned for his unique ability in his trade. Humble, quiet and unassuming, he has continued to be a shining light in his field.

Shuaib is a graduate of Mass-Communication from Bayero University Kano with a master’s degree in Public Relations from the University of Westminster, United Kingdom.

His foray into image making began in his university days, serving as the spokesperson of Mass Communication Students Association (MACOSA) and winning the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations Prize for the Best Student in PR 1992. From Bayero University where he had distinguished himself, Shuaib repeated the same feat in Asaba, Delta State where he did his mandatory youth service. Here, he won local, state and presidential NYSC awards with automatic employment as one of the most outstanding corps members of that period. He served as PRO Delta State Government House, Asaba and later became Press Secretary in various Federal Ministries including Information, Finance; Health; Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Outside the public service, several organisations have benefitted from his fountain of knowledge. He has provided advisory services to corporate organisations and consulted for critical institutions in the military, security, intelligence and response agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), providing crisis communication services.

An author of repute, in the course of his career as a PR person and writer, he has published over 300 media articles and written books including `A Dozen Tips for Media Relations,’ ‘Financial Public Relations,’ ‘An Encounter with Spymaster and Award-Winning Crisis Communication strategies’ among others.

“Publishing has always been part of our business though we have different media platforms for different sectors e.g. PRNigeria, Economic Confidential, Emergency Digest, Techdigest, Politics Digest and Spokespersons Digest. After realising that our correspondents and desk officers cover specific sectors and projects, we find it necessary for the purpose of documentation and records to introduce the book project. Every book for the project is thematic on a central topic, subject, or message within a narrative. My recent books are also thematic especially, “An Encounter with Spymasters, Crisis Communication Strategies” and also the recent ones by our staff members, “Digital Innovation for Economic Prosperity in Nigeria” by Inyene Ibanga and “101 Fake News on EndSARS” by Dahiru M. Lawal. We currently have at least six books in the pipeline for presentation next year, God willing,” he said.

He is a recipient of several outstanding honours, especially in Public Relations. He was PR man of the Year of NIPR Kano/Jigawa Chapter in 1995, Outstanding Digital PR Practitioner of NIPR FCT Chapter 2019 and the prestigious NIPR Presidential award also in 2019.

A spokesperson with tentacles across the globe, his crafts, creativity and ingenuity have been recognised globally. For instance, through some of his initiatives, especially the PRNigeria and Economic Confidential magazine, his firm has consistently won the African PR Awards in South-Africa 2016/7, Morocco 2017, Botswana 2018, Kigali 2019 and Tanzania 2020. At the global scene, his firm remains the only PR agency in Africa to have consistently won the Golden World Award of International Public Relations Association (IPRA) on Crisis Management in Qatar 2016, Bulgaria 2017, Spain 2018, Armenia 2019 and 2020. The firm was declared the Most Creative PR Agency Worldwide 2020 by Global Creativity Index GCI and Statista, the world renowned statistics portal.

Shuaib and his outfit have continued to blaze the trail. In 2021, his firm was on a shortlist of five finalists for the “African PR Agency of the Year 2021.”

From public service to the private sector, Shuaib has remained true to himself to dealing with and solving image crises. Why did he choose this path you may ask? And why Marketing Communication? His response: “I come from a family of preachers who are advocates of moral conduct and good causes where communication is the vital weapon of persuasion through convincing narratives. Therefore, I have always admired public communicators who handle tough situations and solve problems.”

His father, an Islamic scholar and a PhD in Arabic Linguistics wanted him to study Arabic and Islamic studies so that he could also become an Imam like his grandfather. While pursuing Islamic studies in the university, he took Mass Communication as a subsidiary, optional course because of his love for writing and speaking at events on campus.

“In the process, I developed an interest in reading newspapers which my father bought every day. I later started admiring the writing styles. Even before I took Mass Communication as a subsidiary course. I was contributing articles to campus magazine before I later established Campus Voice Magazine monthly and Campus Express which came fortnightly whenever there are activities like politics, sports and events on the campus. So, I never had interest in Law, Accounting or any of the so-called lucrative professional courses because every organisation or profession needs a communicator. So to me, communication was, and is still, everything and I went for it,” he recounted.

Shuaib was in the civil service where he made remarkable success and at a time was referred to as a star boy, he quit to pursue his ambition. Restless and ambitious with a purpose, he admitted he had always wanted to be his own boss.

“I thank the Almighty for his abundant blessing on my career path,” he continued. I never thought of working in the civil service. I wanted to practice journalism and public relations. The NYSC honours including the Presidential award that offered me an automatic appointment in the public service changed my orientation. From 1993 when I was offered the initial appointment in Delta State Civil Service, I promised myself to spend only a few years and quit to pursue my passion.”

In 1996, when he became a press secretary at the Federal Ministry of Finance, he was egged on by his friend at FAAC News magazine, where he began contributing regular articles. “Similarly, after I left the Revenue Mobilisation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) in 2016, I supported my family in establishing another magazine known as Economic Confidential. I also established an online forum for Public Relations practitioners in Nigeria through a Yahoo Group known as PRNigeria,” he recalled.

Shuaib has a clear cut area of operation – reputation and crisis management services to corporate organisations and critical institutions in the military, security, intelligence and response agencies. His background in the civil service became an asset.

“Actually, the first set of clients that requested my services were in the security and intelligence sector. I am glad that I served them to the best of my ability. The contributions we made in that sector remain unprecedented till today,” he said.

A man of vision who is constantly on a mission, one of his initiatives, PRNigeria and Economic Confidential magazine, have consistently won the African PR Awards across Africa including the Most Creative PR Agency Worldwide. For him, the secret to those successes lies in the ability to face challenges and his approaches to solve crises.

“You want me to divulge the secret of the trade in crisis communication and reputation management. Pay the fees and I will do so (Laughs). The truth is that at Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), we like to take on bigger challenges. In fact we enjoy being approached to resolve crises through strategic communication. Most of the international awards are largely interested in problem solving case studies. For a crisis management outfit, it is easier to list the problems from the crisis situations that were presented to us and how we managed them. Our activities are not the routine event coverages, press release distributions etc. In strategic communication, for every event we organise and every statement we issue, there are a lot of factors and processes that must be considered before the communication campaigns.

“We were declared as the Most Creative PR Agency World in 2020 for the various campaigns we undertook that year with minimum budgets but with maximum result. Our campaigns have different objectives. Meanwhile, each of our campaigns followed the same templates from the summary on the challenges before we define the problem and list the Campaign Objectives. We have to identify the geographic location and target audiences which would guide on the tools to be deployed to achieve the best results.”

Marketing Communication in a digital world needs brilliant and talented individuals for it to survive. Shuaib is of the view that even with social media and digital innovation, organisations should ensure they have incentives that could attract and retain the best hands.

His company is huge. It has made a name for itself. To onlookers, having affiliations with foreign partners won’t be a bad idea. “We are very mindful of the potential benefits of affiliation in the PR industry. We may consider such in future. Currently we observe and operate the concept of globalisation by localising global best practices in our business that makes us compete favourably with the international PR firms and Global brands.”

Shuaib is a workaholic and he is still excited with many of the company’s recent campaigns.

“Our clients are out there. I find it difficult to pick any above others because they all have a common goal for success in their various and diverse campaigns we executed. Meanwhile, I must admit that our crisis communication campaigns are the most successful going by the dozens of awards we bagged at events hosted by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), African Public Relations Association (APRA) and International Public Relations Association (IPRA),” he said.

In recognising role models and aspiring public relations experts, Shuaib and his team recently established award presentations.

The award presentation is a component of Public Relations, especially event management strategies.

“Having covered some of the sectors with constructive editorial and in most cases with criticisms in ensuring that best practices are observed, the other ways of acknowledging and recognising role models for emulation are mostly through awards of recognition. We started with the Campus Journalism Award which is now more popular among student writers in Nigeria. Two years later, we introduced Security and Emergency Management Awards (SAEMA) for that sector and this year we launched the inaugural Spokespersons Awards for PR practitioners and strategic communications in various categories.”

No doubt, Shuaib eats, sleeps and breathes PR through writing and speaking. “It has always been my desire to excel in every branch of Public Relations practice.”

For him, his life is not defined solely by the career path he chose. Away from practicing PR, managing crises, he still enjoys playing badminton and savouring some mouth-watering noodles at his leisure.

Source : Thisdaylive.com

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TECHDIGEST- The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has inaugurated an incidence response facility aimed at addressing incidences of cybercrimes, protecting telecoms infrastructure, and encouraging increased participation in the nation’s digital economy.

As the Commission’s industry-specific intervention, the objectives of the NCC Center for Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) are aligned to the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (NCPS) published by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

The NCPS requires each sector to establish a computer security incident response team that provides provide requisite services to the stakeholders and players within each sector.

The overall mandate of the NCC-CSIRT is to ensure continuous improvement of processes and communication frameworks to guarantee the secure and collaborative exchange of timely information while responding to cyber threats within the sector.

While commissioning the project in Abuja, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Pantami, described the Center as a strategic step in boosting cybersecurity in Nigeria and commended the Board and Management of the Commission for ensuring successful implementation of the project.

Pantami noted that the commissioning of the facility marks an important milestone in the telecommunications industry in Nigeria, and described it as a significant measure in the support of national efforts at protecting the information and communication technology infrastructure in the country.

“The creation of the Center is in line with the provisions of the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (NCPS) document published by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), which was recently updated and launched by President Muhammadu Buhari in February 2021.

“In keeping with the principles enshrined in the policy, each sector is expected to establish a sectoral Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) that provides requisite services to the constituents within that sector,” the Minister said.

Earlier, Prof. Umar Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, said considering the increasing growth in Internet usage, especially as a consequence of the outbreak of the pandemic, the Commission observed a rise in cyber incidents and criminal activities.

“Thus, the Commission recognises that with the borderless nature and pervasiveness of these incidences, relentless and concerted attention is required to protect Internet users as well as the Critical National Information Infrastructure and ensure they are resilient”, Danbatta said.

The EVC emphasised that the NCC-CSIRT has been structured to operate within the framework of the NCPS and the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) to assist the Nigerian communications sector with the management and coordination of cyber security incidents and threats.

He noted that the CSIRT, established as a proactive step towards building trust, and safety needed for growing the digital economy, will initially focus on four main areas of monitoring, incident management, communication, and alert and warning.

Danbatta explained that the key mandates of the CSIRT, which will be achieved through a collaborative effort with relevant stakeholders, organisations, and agencies, include assisting the sector in the defence and response to major cyber threats and attacks targeted at the members within the sector.

The Centre is also to liaise with other sectoral CSIRTs as well as local and international security frameworks to protect the communications sector and the general wellbeing of the Nigerian people.

Also speaking, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Major-Gen. Babagana Monguno (Retd), represented by Brig-Gen. Samad Akesode, acknowledged the establishment of NCC-CSIRT as a clear demonstration of the Commission’s resolve to join hands with the federal government in mitigating any risk that will emanate as Nigeria embraces advanced technology to facilitate digital transformation in the country.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Communications, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu and the Chairman, Committee on Telecommunications in the House of Representatives, Akeem Adeyemi, heads of other agencies in the Ministry, were among the dignitaries that attended the event.

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TECH DIGEST – 5G phone masts are being set alight in the UK, after online conspiracy theories have misleadingly linked the cell towers to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) has expressed concern over the proposed licensing of the fifth generation of wireless communications technology network (5G) in the country, describing it as a threat to national security.

ONSA said introducing the 5G network will make the infrastructure highly susceptible to eavesdropping, tracking, cyber-attacks, military and industrial espionage and other malicious activities by foreign actors.

However, the Minister for Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Pantami, said the country is ready for 5G and almost at the final stage of the process, as long as existing challenges are addressed.

ONSA stated this yesterday at the public hearing on the status of the 5G network in Nigeria and its technological impact on Nigerian citizens, organised by the Senate joint Committee on communications, science and technology, ICT and cybercrimes, and primary healthcare.

The NSA, Maj. Gen. Babagana Monguno, who was represented by the Communications Office Director, Dr. Bala Fakandu, said though they were contacted before the deployment of the initial trial of the network, they were concerned about the deliberate vulnerabilities and backdoors within the 5G network equipment.

He said, ”I am going to talk about the National Security concerns. We are aware that the deployment of 5G will come with different types of equipment and so we understand that the stakeholders in the telecommunications industry will make an effort to ensure that they upgrade their systems in order to meet up with the new technology.

“We understand these are things that will be put in place particularly in the policy that the Honourable Minister has talked about but I need to emphasise it so that the stakeholders in the telecommunications industry will understand where we are coming from because the national security concerns are the concern of the Office of the National Security Adviser and concern of the president as well.

“In that guise, we are going to ensure on our own position and we urge the minister to carry the office along in the development of the policy so that we could have a robust framework to take care of these areas.”

Meanwhile, Minister of Communication, Pantami, however, was of the notion that the country is ready for 5G network.

He said though they’ve not gotten to the point of knowing whether the network will be deployed, they are currently on track conducting research, investigations, engaging stakeholders and if all issues are addressed, the Executive will support the deployment in Nigeria.

Pantami said: ”We are not operating in circles. Nigerian telecommunication sector is part and parcel of the International Telecommunication Union (under the United Nations) where issues of telecommunication technology and its impacts are being discussed.

”Part of what we have achieved through the engagement, conducting research, engaging ITU and WHO at the international level, we are in the process of compiling our final position. And most of the compiled position will be part of my draft national policy which will be presented to the Federal Executive Council. Mr President is very much aware of all these stages from the beginning to where we stopped.”

He also denied claims that 5G is responsible for COVID-19 saying if there is any relationship with COVID-19, he would have been the first victim.

His words: ”To date I have not contracted the virus. And I did the test up to 10 times. So I did the trial personally. On the 25th of September 2019, we conducted the first trial of 5G in Nigeria. In other to demonstrate trust and prove leadership by example, I personally pledged to make a trial so if there is any security implication or medical implication, then Isah would be the number one victim.”

”There is no link between 5G and COVID-19. And there is no relationship between 5G and any disease. The only issue being raised usually is about radiation. But people don’t realise that the radiation of 4G more harmful than that of 5G. The radiation of the microwave oven at home is more harmful than that of the 5G. The radiation of even the smartphone itself is even more harmful than that of 5G.”

Declaring the public hearing open, the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmad Lawan said in the ideal sense, 5G is supposed to be an advancement in communication, but concerns of citizens emanated from the limited knowledge of a virus that was wreaking havoc across the globe.

Lawan added that the Senate will only approve of the technology, only if, the security and safety of the citizens are guaranteed.

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