Across Nigeria’s bustling technology landscape, a clear pattern is emerging: more and more young IT professionals are pivoting towards cybersecurity.
Once a niche discipline, it has become one of the most sought-after specialisations in the country’s expanding digital economy.
From university classrooms to online learning platforms, from Lagos to Kano, the phrase “I am learning cybersecurity” has become a common refrain. Findings reveal that the reasons behind this surge are both economic and strategic, a signal of where Nigeria’s technology future is heading.
Industry data shows that the demand for cybersecurity experts in Nigeria has far outpaced supply. The country has only a few thousand certified cybersecurity professionals which are far below what its growing digital infrastructure requires.
Lagos-based IT recruiter, Terry Imasuen noted that, “This is a market crying out for talent. Every bank, fintech, and government agency now needs cybersecurity expertise. If you have the right skills, you’ll get noticed quickly.”
As reports show that the global cybersecurity workforce shortage is currently around 4 million roles unfilled while for many Nigerian tech enthusiasts, cybersecurity isn’t just a career path, it’s an open door.
Imasuen remarked that Cybersecurity offers not only abundant job openings but also competitive pay. In Nigeria, cybersecurity analysts and penetration testers earn, on average, 20 per cent more than software developers with similar experience.
Also, a Lagos-based cybersecurity instructor, Ngozi Nwachukwu said, mid-level professionals can earn between N6 million and N8 million annually, with room for rapid advancement.
She added that, “The earning potential is part of the attraction, but beyond the money, it’s the sense of purpose. You’re protecting people’s data, their businesses, and even national systems.”
Nigeria’s digital transformation from mobile banking to e-commerce and e-government has brought a wave of cyber threats. Reports show that over 70 per cent of Nigerian organisations experienced some form of ransomware attack in the past year. This shows that the urgency to strengthen digital defences has never been greater.
Nwachukwu, further said, “As digital infrastructure expands, the need for digital defence becomes unavoidable. Every new app, every online service is a new attack surface, Young techies see that and they’re positioning themselves to solve tomorrow’s security challenges”
Adding that while areas like software development and data science are crowded, cybersecurity remains comparatively underpopulated is making certified professionals more valuable.
“Cybersecurity isn’t just another tech field; it’s a mission-critical function. When a company loses data, the coder isn’t called first, the cybersecurity team is”
While the Nigerian government has identified cybersecurity as a national priority with policies, certifications, and partnerships with government and private tech firms being rolled out to build local capacity.
Industry projections suggest that Nigeria’s cybersecurity market could reach $345 million by 2029, growing at more than 10% annually. More Nigerian institutions are launching dedicated cybersecurity programmes, while online platforms are expanding affordable certification options.
However, experts warned that, while a career in cybersecurity is rewarding, it requires dedication. “It demands constant learning, problem-solving, and composure under pressure, Threats evolve daily, so you have to be committed to lifelong learning,” said Ibrahim Olanrewaju, a cybersecurity consultant.
Many entry-level roles also require hands-on experience, which can be tough to gain without internships or lab work. Yet, experts agree that persistence and practice can bridge the gap.
According to Tech Centre Administrator at Cophild ICT Training & Certification, Isaac Ofana, “The world is evolving with AI, machine learning, and other ICT courses springing up. The threats on the internet are vast as they’re widening daily. That’s where cybersecurity comes in.”
He explained that becoming a cybersecurity analyst requires a solid grounding in networking, packet transfer, IP addressing, and defensive strategies. “You also have to think like a hacker,” he added.
Ofana emphasised the value of certifications such as CompTIA Security+, CCNA, and Network+. He noted “It’s one of the world’s highest-paying jobs right now. Some professionals earn N5 to N7 million monthly, working remotely to detect network breaches and monitor attacks.”
He added, “With the tech talent pool in Nigeria, we can impact the world in different ways. Our youths can channel their skills into building websites, apps, and tools that solve real-world problems taking the country to another level.
