Abuja: Mr Christopher Ugbebor, a software engineer, has urged the authorities and cyber space stakeholders to adopt a preventive approach to fighting cybercrimes in the country. He made this call during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ugbebor emphasized that while punishing cybercriminals is necessary, implementing measures to prevent young people from engaging in such activities is a more effective strategy. He stated that Nigeria could transform the challenges posed by cybercrimes into opportunities by balancing enforcement, opportunity, and cultural shift.
He further elaborated that empowering citizens through education is crucial. Ugbebor suggested that schools should teach cybersecurity alongside core subjects like Mathematics and English to instill safe internet practices from an early age. He also advocated for broader awareness campaigns via television, radio, and social media to help people identify phishing attempts and avoid fraudulent investment schemes.
In his interview with NAN, Ugbebor pointed out that when victims feel safe to report fraud, supported by whistle-blower protections and incentives, it would lead to more criminals being caught and their tactics exposed. He warned that beyond tarnishing the nation’s image, cybercrime undermines economic stability and citizen trust, and addressing it requires a comprehensive, human-centered approach that integrates law, technology, social change, and economic opportunity.
Ugbebor also highlighted the importance of supporting tech hubs and startups with grants and mentorship, as seen with the success of companies like Flutterwave and Paystack. He noted that legitimate income streams such as affiliate marketing, e-commerce, or freelancing can provide reliable alternatives to fraud.
He identified banks and fintech platforms as the frontlines in combating cybercrimes, suggesting that stronger monitoring could prevent fraud from spreading. He called for the EFCC’s Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering to enhance its oversight and for platforms like Opay, Moniepoint, and Binance to implement stricter KYC protocols to close anonymity loopholes.
In conclusion, Ugbebor emphasized that cybercrime is not just a legal issue but also has a cultural dimension. He noted that many see fraud as a shortcut to success, and reframing this narrative is essential to mitigate the issue.