The Federal Government of Nigeria has revealed that it foiled 66 attempts by European hackers to compromise and take control of virtual meetings of the Federal Executive Council.
Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy made the discovery at the 19th edition of the General Muhammadu Buhari Ret’d Administration’s Scorecard Series in Abuja from 2015–2023.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the scorecard series was organized by the Ministry of Information and Culture to highlight the accomplishments of the Buhari administration.
Pantami, who presented his ministry’s scorecards, stated that 108 virtual FEC sessions had been held since the release of the National Policy on Virtual Engagements for Federal Public Institutions in October 2020.
He stated this from the 108 virtual FEC meetings that were held, with 66 attempts from Europe to undermine the proceedings failing.
According to the minister, all of the cases were submitted to the competent authorities for documentation and action.
He recalled the creation of the National Policy on Virtual Engagements to formalize government online meetings such as FEC and Council of State meetings.
The minister stated that with the policy prepared in collaboration with the Federation’s Head of Service, the government’s virtual meetings could be held successfully and legally.
He claimed that the virtual sessions saved the country about N47 billion that would have been spent if they had been convened in person.
The minister further said that, in keeping with Buhari’s vision, millions of Nigerians have been lifted out of poverty, and over 2.2 million jobs have been generated in the digital industry in the last three years.
He stated that the accomplishment was accomplished in the sector through the implementation of the President’s Executive Orders to prioritize indigenous content and indigenous professionals in the execution of national projects.