Onwubuke Melvin
The Association of Chief Audit Executives of Banks in Nigeria has called for cooperation among lenders in the country to boost cybersecurity in the sector.
This was disclosed in a communiqué issued at the end of the association’s annual general meeting and retreat held in Abuja recently, according to The Punch.
To collaborate regularly, share knowledge and monitor cybersecurity initiatives and projects, the Association calls for the establishment of an assurance community of information security, internal audit, internal control systems, compliance, and risk management departments of banks.
This convergence of members and stakeholders in the banking sector, at a Weeklong event organised under the theme “The role of Internal Auditors in promoting stability within the financial services industry and national economic growth” was to exchange ideas and knowledge on issues of concern to them
In his comment during the conference, the Chairman of ACAEBIN, Prince Akamadu, explained that the conference theme resonated deeply with the challenges and opportunities the banking industry was facing and by extension the economy.
He said “The past year has witnessed a series of challenges in our economy, which has impacted the living conditions of the generality of Nigerians and the banking industry is at the centre of the developments.
As members of the third line of defence (the internal audit function), we are expected to be proactive in our approach and support the efforts of the Central Bank of Nigeria in addressing the current challenges in the financial sector.
“For us to continue to play our part as valued stakeholders, it is pertinent that we take a critical look into the future and equip ourselves with those critical skills and resources that would enable us to perform our functions well, not just as gatekeepers but also as valued advisors to our organisations and the industry at large.”
Akamadu and other executive committee members were re-elected for another two-year term to pilot the affairs of the association.
He thanked his colleagues for their confidence in him and the other members of the Executive Council in his acceptance speech.
In the framework of joint efforts to clean up the banking system and boost the economy as a whole, he promised to further strengthen cooperation with all interested parties and regulators.
