Overview of the 2015 Legal and Policy Strategy on Cybercrime and Cybersecurity in Nigeria

Abstract

With the growing sophistication and use of information technology, the past decade has seen a major growth in cybercrime. Broadly described, cybercrime refers to all types of crime that exploit modern telecommunications networks, in which computers or computer networks are used for criminal activity. As more and more regions of the world go online, cybercrime is finding new and more permissive environments. Especially in developing nations, cybercrime is gaining a foothold. Law enforcement agencies are struggling to respond, especially in places where legislative frameworks are weak or non-existent. The growth of cybercrime in Nigeria and Africa is of particular concern.It is against this background, that this study seeks to achieve the following objectives:1) to provide an overview of the rationale, contents of the 2015 Cybercrime law and Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy in Nigeria in the context of international initiatives;2) to conclude with the way forward for Nigeria.