The US Embassy in Abuja has suggested the Nigerian authorities to harness the facility of expertise to boost its safety framework and construct a safer, extra resilient nation.
Mr. Bradley Markwald, the embassy’s Senior Regional Safety Officer, delivered the message in the course of the 2024 Annual Common Assembly of ASIS Worldwide, Chapter 273, held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Markwald spoke on the subject, “Leveraging Expertise for Enhancing Nationwide Safety in Nigeria.”
In his handle, Markwald defined that Nigeria’s huge inhabitants, wealthy sources, and expansive geography current each vital challenges and distinctive alternatives for safeguarding nationwide safety.
He emphasised that advancing surveillance and monitoring applied sciences might play a crucial function in addressing these challenges.
Markwald highlighted the significance of utilizing satellite-based imagery to observe massive areas in real-time.
He famous that platforms similar to NigeriaSat-X and the European House Company’s Copernicus programme might be leveraged to observe Nigeria’s land, borders, and important infrastructure.
He additionally mentioned the potential of drones, or Unmanned Aerial Autos (UAVs), outfitted with thermal imaging and AI-powered monitoring software program.
These drones, in keeping with stories, might be deployed to observe distant areas and collect intelligence on actions and actions that will pose safety threats.
Along with drones, Markwald proposed the combination of sensor networks alongside Nigeria’s borders, highways, and ports.
He defined that these sensors might provide a proactive strategy to safety by detecting uncommon exercise, similar to unauthorized automobile actions or border crossings, in real-time. He additionally talked about the potential of Web of Issues (IoT) sensors to alert authorities about incursions or pure disasters which may threaten nationwide safety.
One other key facet of Markwald’s suggestions centered on modernizing Nigeria’s border management methods. He argued that adopting superior digital border administration methods might enhance the accuracy of border checks and cut back human error.
“Biometric applied sciences similar to facial recognition and fingerprint scanning utilized in methods just like the Superior Passenger Data Programs (APIS) can shortly confirm identities, making certain that solely licensed people enter or go away the nation,” he mentioned.
Markwald additional mentioned the advantages of Automated Border Management (ABC) gates, that are already in use in airports all over the world.
Studies inform that These gates might assist simplify the border management course of, making it each safe and environment friendly.
He additionally talked about the potential for implementing Sensible Border Administration Programs that mix biometric information with real-time monitoring of people and autos on the border.
In accordance with Markwald, such methods would considerably improve Nigeria’s potential to handle immigration and commerce flows with out compromising safety.
Markwald additionally careworn the significance of strengthening Nigeria’s cybersecurity and cyber resilience. He famous that defending delicate information, crucial infrastructure, and digital methods from cyber threats is an important a part of nationwide safety.
“Superior encryption protocols like AES-256 encryption and quantum cryptography are important to safeguarding Nigeria’s most delicate authorities and company information,” he mentioned.
In his handle, Markwald really helpful the adoption of superior cybersecurity applied sciences, together with Subsequent-Era Firewalls (NGFW), Intrusion Detection Programs (IDS), and AI-powered anomaly detection instruments. He defined that these applied sciences would assist determine and mitigate cyberattacks in real-time, defending Nigeria’s key infrastructure from digital threats.
He additionally known as for the event of a sturdy cyber defence infrastructure, together with Safety Operations Facilities (SOC) which might be outfitted with AI-driven options for detecting and responding to cybersecurity threats.
He advised that the Nationwide Laptop Emergency Response Staff (ngCERT) might undertake superior cyber protection methods, similar to FireEye’s Community Safety and Forensics, to offer real-time risk detection and response.
Collaborating for a safer future: In conclusion, Markwald urged Nigeria to strengthen its intelligence-sharing capabilities and enhance its disaster administration and incident response efforts. He careworn that investing in these technological developments would assist Nigeria defend its residents, safeguard its crucial infrastructure, and safe its future. “Collectively, allow us to work to leverage these developments to create a safer Nigeria for generations to come back,” he mentioned.
