The EU-funded Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC II) Programme of International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA) has called for collective action of all anti-graft agencies, state governors and stakeholders in the fight against cybercrime.

Head of Programme, International IDEA, Danladi Plang, made the call in Abuja during a chat with newsmen on the sidelines of the Cybercrime Prevention Summit.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of summit is “Alternative to Cybercrime: Optimising Cyber Skills for National Security.’’

The Summit was organised by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) in collaboration with the EU-RoLAC II Programme of the International IDEA.

Plang said that Nigeria had a very youthful population that was versatile in the use of technology.

He noted with concern that the skill had, however, been used negatively in various forms including in digital financial crime.

Plang, therefore, called for rethink of the traditional approach of arrest, trial, conviction and imprisonment in fighting crime.

“While we acknowledge the effort made by the EFCC and other law enforcement agencies in fighting cybercrime, perhaps we need to rethink our traditional approach of arrest, trial, conviction and imprisonment in fighting crime.’’

He said that it could be done by focusing on other ways of channeling the energies of youth and their skills in the use of technology.

“We will strengthen our cybercrime prevention and response mechanisms; and at the same time create more legitimate opportunities for young people.’’

Plang also urged the stakeholders to harness the power of collaboration and cooperation in advancing their shared goals of security and development for the country.

He reiterated the imperative of improving digital education in Nigeria, stating that the increase in technology had exacerbated the attention of criminals, especially the Nigerian youth.

“Because we use technology which offers us very easy ways and convenience for information transfer and storage, especially in the cloud, it has also increased the attention of criminals; and, that is why we have cybercrime.

“As technology progresses and our reliance upon it has escalated, cybercrime has also intensified; it has been said earlier on that we have a very large population of young people.

”They are not just young; but they are very versatile in the use of technology.

“When you have Federal Government agencies, whether it is the EFCC or ICPC or whatever government agency that is responsible for one function or the other.

“It is imperative that all arms of government, including the states, support that arm of government.

“When that arm of government succeeds, it is our collective success; when it fails, it is all our collective failure.”

He reaffirmed the readiness of the organisation to support, where necessary, the fight against cybercrime and crimes in general.

“I join others to say that we are strongly behind you;  to support you in this endeavour and all the other work that you are doing to fight economic and financial crimes and corruption in Nigeria.

“As has been said earlier, cybercrime is not a Nigerian problem alone.

“For us at International Idea, we will continue to support this effort, not just on cybercrime, but other crimes as well.”

He said that there was the need to make the effort very conscious and very deliberate, which will not necessarily be abrupt.(NAN)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo