America Embassy in Abuja has suggested the Nigerian authorities to harness the ability of know-how to reinforce its safety framework and construct a safer, extra resilient nation.
Mr. Bradley Markwald, the embassy’s Senior Regional Safety Officer, delivered the message through the 2024 Annual Normal Assembly of ASIS Worldwide, Chapter 273, held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Markwald spoke on the subject, “Leveraging Know-how for Enhancing Nationwide Safety in Nigeria.”
In his deal with, Markwald defined that Nigeria’s huge inhabitants, wealthy assets, and expansive geography current each important challenges and distinctive alternatives for safeguarding nationwide safety.
He emphasised that advancing surveillance and monitoring applied sciences might play a essential position in addressing these challenges.
Markwald highlighted the significance of utilizing satellite-based imagery to observe massive areas in real-time.
He famous that platforms equivalent to NigeriaSat-X and the European House Company’s Copernicus programme might be leveraged to observe Nigeria’s land, borders, and significant infrastructure.
He additionally mentioned the potential of drones, or Unmanned Aerial Automobiles (UAVs), geared up with thermal imaging and AI-powered monitoring software program.
These drones, in response to reviews, 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 mixing of sensor networks alongside Nigeria’s borders, highways, and ports.
He defined that these sensors might supply a proactive method to safety by detecting uncommon exercise, equivalent to unauthorized car 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 that may threaten nationwide safety.
One other key side of Markwald’s suggestions centered on modernizing Nigeria’s border management techniques. He argued that adopting superior digital border administration techniques might enhance the accuracy of border checks and cut back human error.
“Biometric applied sciences equivalent to facial recognition and fingerprint scanning utilized in techniques just like the Superior Passenger Info Methods (APIS) can shortly confirm identities, making certain that solely approved 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 around the globe.
Stories inform that These gates might assist simplify the border management course of, making it each safe and environment friendly.
He additionally talked about the opportunity of implementing Good Border Administration Methods that mix biometric knowledge with real-time monitoring of people and autos on the border.
In keeping with Markwald, such techniques 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 knowledge, essential infrastructure, and digital techniques from cyber threats is a vital 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 knowledge,” he mentioned.
In his deal with, Markwald really helpful the adoption of superior cybersecurity applied sciences, together with Subsequent-Era Firewalls (NGFW), Intrusion Detection Methods (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 strong cyber defence infrastructure, together with Safety Operations Facilities (SOC) which might be geared up with AI-driven options for detecting and responding to cybersecurity threats.
He recommended that the Nationwide Pc Emergency Response Group (ngCERT) might undertake superior cyber protection techniques, equivalent to FireEye’s Community Safety and Forensics, to offer real-time menace 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 shield its residents, safeguard its essential 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.
