The Federal Government has intensified efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s digital resilience in order to protect the country’s cyberspace from the increasing cybersecurity threats.
Indications to the development emerged at the maiden National Cybersecurity Conference (NCSC), organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) with the theme “Building a Resilient Digital Future”.
The NSA Malam Nuhu Ribadu while declaring open the two-day conference, which had in attendance about 175 organisations, including embassies, ministries, agencies, universities, and tech firms, on Wednesday in Abuja, tasked all stakeholders on being proactive against cyber threat.
Ribadu noted that the conference has opened a new vista in Nigeria’s digital security journey. He said: “building a resilient digital future is not just a theme; it’s a call to action. Nigeria’s accelerating digital transformation brings economic opportunity but also increased vulnerability. Resilience is no longer optional, it is the bedrock of national security and economic stability.”
The former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) stressed that the government has reeled out measures to protect Nigeria’s cyberspace, which include the establishment of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre for real-time response to cyber threats.
He also cited the Executive Order on the Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) and the ongoing review of the Cybercrime Act.
“Additionally, updates to the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy are being made to address AI and other emerging technologies,” he said, adding that “improved coordination with telecom operators and security agencies was underway to protect critical telecom infrastructure.”
Director-General of NITDA, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, said the conference aimed to boost collaboration among government agencies, private sector actors, academia, and global partners.
He said, “it will enhance the protection of critical infrastructure through the development and implementation of robust cybersecurity policies, regulatory frameworks, and compliance mechanisms.
“It will also facilitate global partnerships to combat cyber threats and improve cross-border intelligence sharing.
“The conference will promote cybersecurity education and skills development through competitions, hands-on training, and technical sessions.”
He emphasised that the conference will spur investment in cybersecurity technologies by showcasing innovative solutions and industry best practices from both local and international players through exhibitions, among other objectives.
Also speaking, the executive chairman of the EFCC, Mr Ola Olukoyede, highlighted the vulnerabilities within Nigeria’s rapidly growing fintech sector even as he listed banking malware, cryptocurrency scams, fake fintech apps, and social engineering as major threats.
The EFCC boss said the commission has exploited digital forensics and intelligence collaboration to fight cybercrime, adding that plans to establish a Cybersecurity Research Centre by 2026 are on the way.
“The centre will aim to redirect the skills of cybercriminals, commonly known as “Yahoo Yahoo” boys, towards productive use. Let us not wait for the next major cyber attack. Resilience is the future. The EFCC will continue to monitor, investigate, and prosecute digital financial crimes,” he warned.
Senator Shuaibu Salisu, chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, in his remarks, said the conference expanded discussion on insights and inspired lawmakers on relevant legislation to address the scourge of cybersecurity threat.
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