Lagos, Nigeria – In a move to combat the escalating threat of cyber fraud, Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) in Nigeria have joined forces with the Committee of Chief Information Security Officers of Nigerian Financial Institutions (CCISONFI), Cybersafe Foundation, and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to introduce a groundbreaking campaign. The initiative, titled ‘NoGoFall Maga, Confam Am Again,’ aims to raise awareness and empower individuals to protect themselves against the tactics employed by cybercriminals.
The campaign launch event, held in Lagos yesterday, witnessed key figures from the banking and cybersecurity sectors, including CCISONFI Chairman Festus Amede, Dr. Peter Obadare, Chairman of Cybersafe Foundation, and Favour Femi-Oyewole, Group Chief Information Security Officer at Access Bank, come together to unveil the strategic alliance.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Festus Amede emphasized the need for proactive measures to combat the rising tide of cybercrimes. He underscored that the campaign would be disseminated through television and radio broadcasts, as well as various social media platforms, to engage a wide audience and promote a safer digital environment.
Amede stated, “Our strategic partnership with the CBN, Bankers’ Committee, and Cybersafe Foundation is a crucial step in addressing the evolving landscape of cyber threats. The increasing adoption of digital technology in the financial industry necessitates a concerted effort to enhance cybersecurity awareness and protect individuals from falling victim to fraud.”
Dr. Peter Obadare emphasized the significance of building a human firewall alongside the technological defenses employed by financial institutions. He noted that the campaign’s core objective is to enhance the cybersecurity intelligence quotient of the Nigerian populace. Obadare highlighted the role of public education in minimizing the success of cybercriminals who exploit individuals’ lack of awareness.
Favour Femi-Oyewole, a member of CCISONFI and Group Chief Information Security Officer at Access Bank, shed light on the campaign’s inception process. She revealed that the campaign had been in development for two years, with a focus on targeting unbanked individuals and raising awareness about the tactics used by cybercriminals.
The campaign’s launch underscores the banking sector’s commitment to fortifying cybersecurity measures and fostering a secure digital ecosystem for customers. As Nigeria witnesses the convergence of financial technology and increased digital adoption, this initiative represents a pivotal step towards safeguarding individuals’ financial well-being and building a resilient cybersecurity framework.
