written by Genesis Obong and Adedoyin Adeosun
Digital crime continues to proliferate worldwide, posing a significant challenge to financial security and stability. Recognizing this threat, the Compliance Institute Nigeria (CIN) is spearheading an initiative to empower the younger generation in the fight against cybercrime.
Speaking at the recent 8th induction ceremony of the CIN, President Pattison Boleigha highlighted the importance of including the younger generation in compliance efforts. He emphasized the need for a new generation of compliance officers equipped to tackle the evolving tactics of digital criminals.
“To catch up with the trend in technology and regulation, we needed to bring in more youth for the front.”
“Globally, we see a lot of criminality, and to address this, we need compliance officers particularly among the youth today – Generation Z and Generation X.”
The Necessity for Technological Literacy
Boleigha further stressed the critical role of technological expertise in modern compliance. He underscored that compliance professionals must stay abreast of emerging technologies, like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, to effectively ensure compliance in the ever-changing digital landscape.
“The world is changing quickly,” Boleigha remarked. “Technology is evolving fast, regulations are taking a new dimension, and operators themselves are getting more regulatory obligations. There is a harsh increase in crime and criminality. In this kind of environment, compliance officers can never remain the same.”
Building a Culture of Compliance in Africa
President Boleigha acknowledged the need for a stronger culture of compliance across Africa. He reaffirmed CIN’s commitment to fostering a more robust compliance environment in Nigeria and throughout the continent.
“The culture of compliance needs to improve in Africa,” Boleigha asserted. “The CIN will continue to contribute its quota to improving the culture of compliance across Nigeria and Africa.”
A New Generation Takes Up the Mantle
The ceremony saw the induction of over 600 new members, including both associates and fellows. These newly minted compliance professionals were charged with the responsibility of promoting ethical and compliant practices across various industries.
The inclusion of young professionals signifies a strategic shift in the fight against digital crime. By equipping the next generation with the necessary knowledge and skills, the CIN is building a stronger defense against the ever-evolving threats posed by cybercriminals.
