Nigeria’s Cybersecurity Pivot: Strategy, Stakes, and the Road Ahead, by Shuaib S. Agaka
When Nigeria hosted its maiden National Cybersecurity Conference in Abuja, it did more than convene policymakers and professionals. It marked a watershed moment in the country’s digital journey—a strategic shift from reactive firefighting to proactive cybersecurity planning.
For too long, Nigeria’s tech-driven growth was shadowed by growing cyber threats met with minimal coordination. But the conference, jointly organized by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), signaled a new era of assertiveness and strategic clarity.
As National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu declared: “We will fight you if you are a bad man wherever you are.” That unflinching statement encapsulates Nigeria’s new tone—cybersecurity is no longer a backroom tech issue. It is now front and center in national security discourse, commanding attention and decisive action.
Cyberattacks in Nigeria have become relentless and indiscriminate, targeting banks, telecoms, startups, public agencies, and educational institutions. The conference brought together stakeholders from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), security agencies, and private sector giants. The message was clear: Nigeria’s digital security is now inseparable from its national security.
What made the conference especially timely was its recognition that cyber threats cannot be fought in silos. Presentations revolved around a central question: How can Nigeria restore public trust in digital systems amid rising online fraud, misinformation, and data breaches? The answer wasn’t firewalls or buzzwords. Instead, it called for a systemic overhaul—new mindsets, infrastructure upgrades, legal reforms, and joint accountability.
The numbers speak volumes. In 2023, Nigeria lost ₦17.67 billion to fraud. By 2024, that figure skyrocketed to ₦52.26 billion—a nearly 200% increase. These are not just statistics. They represent shattered lives, defrauded businesses, and eroded confidence in the digital economy. The impact stretches far beyond formal financial systems, affecting countless Nigerians on informal and unregulated platforms.
Daily, citizens face phishing scams, identity theft, fraudulent apps, and cloned bank accounts. Public institutions are not spared either. Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) have reported serious breaches, exposing the fragility of government systems in the absence of strong cybersecurity protocols.
Beyond economic loss, the digital insecurity threatens investor confidence. If users cannot trust banking apps, payment gateways, or government e-portals, then the promise of digital inclusion will give way to widespread digital disillusionment. That is why cybersecurity must be recognized as a national development imperative, not just an IT policy.
A key outcome of the conference was the reaffirmation that no single agency can secure Nigeria’s cyberspace alone. A coordinated, multi-agency response is now required. ONSA brings strategic direction and national security focus. NITDA is central to data protection and capacity building. NCC oversees critical telecom infrastructure. CBN guards the financial system, while EFCC prosecutes financial and cyber fraud. Together, they represent a united front in the evolving digital battlefield.
At the heart of this new architecture is the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCCC), unveiled during the conference. Designed as a digital defense hub, the NCCC enables real-time monitoring, threat detection, and incident response. It consolidates intelligence from across government and private entities—an essential feature in an era where ransomware attacks can cripple entire ministries in minutes.
Importantly, the NCCC is also a platform for national and international collaboration. It connects with Computer Emergency Readiness Teams (CERTs), digital forensics units, and regulatory agencies. But for this infrastructure to be effective, coordination must go beyond symbolism. It must translate into operational synergy: shared simulations, joint investigations, and instant intelligence exchange.
Private sector involvement is crucial. Financial institutions, telecom providers, fintech startups, and e-commerce platforms are both frequent targets and frontline responders. Yet, cybersecurity often remains buried in IT departments, treated as a cost center rather than a strategic investment. Many companies underreport breaches, lack detection tools, and delay responses.
The conference made it clear: cyber defense must be a shared responsibility. Public-private partnerships must move from token cooperation to robust collaboration. This means threat intelligence sharing, co-designed training programs, and sector-specific security frameworks. Big tech firms should lead with expertise, while small businesses must be empowered with tools, awareness, and incentives.
Despite these steps forward, three pressing challenges remain: cyber insurance, skilled manpower, and indigenous innovation. Nigeria cannot depend solely on foreign technologies to fight sophisticated digital threats. With an estimated 25,000 cybersecurity professionals for a population exceeding 240 million, there is an urgent need for more local talent. This demands investment in education, certification, and R&D.
A secure digital Nigeria is possible, but only through urgency, leadership, and inclusive collaboration. The Abuja conference laid the groundwork, but implementation must follow swiftly. ONSA must coordinate national efforts with clear benchmarks. NITDA, NCC, and CBN must harmonize mandates and reduce overlap. The EFCC must receive tools to investigate and prosecute cross-border cybercrime.
But ultimately, the battle for digital resilience will be won not just in command centers and boardrooms—but in culture. Cybersecurity must become a civic value. It must be embedded in school curricula, professional training, and everyday digital behavior. A digitally secure Nigeria depends not just on policy but on people.
In this digital age, resilience is not just about systems—it’s about trust. And trust must be earned through transparency, vigilance, and shared responsibility. Nigeria has now taken its first major step. The time to act—decisively and collectively—is now.
Shuaib S. Agaka is a tech journalist based in Kano State.