Cyber Security and Data Protection as Tools for the Attainment of a Smart Nation: The Nigerian Example

Advancement in technology and globalization has led to newer forms of challenges such as the increased demand for individual data by governmental agencies and corporate bodies. This increased advancement and dependence on technology have made digital information to have a wider coverage than ever. This wider coverage of digital information comes with its attendant consequences of increased cybercrime and data right violation. This study takes an overview of the current state of cyber security and data protection policies and regulations in Nigeria in its quest to attain the status of a smart nation. The paper argues that the existing provisions for cyber-crime prevention and data protection regime is grossly inadequate to effectively protect individuals against abuse resulting from the processing of their personal data. The view of this study is based on the critical analysis of existing laws governing cyber-crime and data protection laws in Nigeria and the requirements for the attainment of a smart nation status. The study is of the opinion that the enormous volumes of digital traces containing personal data, if not well managed over the cyber world, could lead to their being exposed to unauthorized individuals with malicious intents. The study makes recommendations for the reform of the extant laws for the attainment of a smart nation status by Nigeria.