Editor
To bolster its online platform’s defenses against cybercrimes and optimize digital service delivery, the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office (NMCO) has partnered with the Department of State Services (DSS) to train its staff in cybersecurity.
MCO’s Head of Press and Public Relations, Folashade Fatoke, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the training, conducted on November 26, 2024, at the agency’s conference room, focused on cybersecurity, emphasizing its importance for both personal and organizational safety.
The statement quoted MCO’s Director General, Engr. Obadiah Simon Nkom, who urged staff to adhere strictly to the guidelines provided during the training.
Highlighting the agency’s reliance on a web-based system, Engr. Nkom stressed the significance of cautious and responsible online interactions, particularly following the launch of the electronic Mining Cadastre Plus (eMC+) platform.
“The eMC+ platform has been operational since November 2022, and we have been receiving a significant number of online applications. It is vital that staff remain vigilant and apply the knowledge gained today to identify potential cyber threats,” Nkom said.
He further emphasized the agency’s transition from analog to digital cadastre administration, underscoring its role in enhancing efficiency and transparency in mineral title application processing while attracting investments in the mineral sector.
Engr. Nkom noted, “Everyone is vulnerable to cyberattacks. This training aligns with our office reforms and underscores the importance of developing security awareness. We must commit to a zero-tolerance approach to cybercrimes.”
A key highlight of the session was the Declaration of Oath of Secrecy and Oath of Allegiance by the participants, a move designed to reaffirm their commitment to national service and ethical conduct.
The Director General reiterated the importance of upholding service ethics, urging staff to adopt values such as loyalty, honesty, hard work, accountability, and integrity. “Protecting government documents is a fundamental duty, and this training ensures you are equipped to meet that responsibility,” he said.
The interactive session covered critical areas such as protection against malware, phishing, identity theft, and the importance of securing sensitive documents, providing staff with practical skills to safeguard the agency’s digital infrastructure.
