Nigeria Pledges Stronger Cybersecurity Measures at Maiden National Cybersecurity Conference

July 10, 2025

In a bold step toward reinforcing Nigeria’s digital defense, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to bolstering the nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure in response to rising digital threats. The pledge was made by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, during the inaugural National Cybersecurity Conference (NCSC) held in Abuja on Wednesday.

Hosted by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with the NSA’s office, the two-day event themed “Building a Resilient Digital Future” brought together 175 organizations, including embassies, government ministries and agencies, universities, and technology firms. It marked a landmark moment in Nigeria’s ongoing digital transformation.

“Resilience is No Longer Optional” – NSA Ribadu

Addressing the opening session, NSA Nuhu Ribadu stressed the urgency of the conference’s theme, describing resilience as “the bedrock of national security and economic stability.”

“Building a resilient digital future is not just a theme; it’s a call to action,” Ribadu stated. “Nigeria’s accelerating digital transformation brings economic opportunity, but also increased vulnerability.”

He announced several major cybersecurity initiatives already underway:

• National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre: A real-time response facility for handling cyber threats.

• Executive Order on Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII): A legal framework to protect Nigeria’s most vital digital assets.

• Cybercrime Act Review: A revamp to address emerging threats in today’s digital environment.

• National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy Update: Includes emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI).

• Improved Collaboration: Deeper partnerships with telecom providers and law enforcement to protect telecom infrastructure.

EFCC Targets Fintech Threats, Plans Cybercrime Research Centre

The Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, spotlighted the growing vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s fintech landscape. Threats such as cryptocurrency scams, malware, fake fintech apps, and social engineering attacks were identified as major concerns.

Olukoyede revealed that the EFCC is leveraging digital forensics and intelligence-sharing tools to clamp down on financial cybercrime. He also announced plans to establish a Cybersecurity Research Centre by 2026.

“Let us not wait for the next major cyberattack. Resilience is the future,” Olukoyede said. “The centre will aim to redirect the skills of cybercriminals, commonly known as ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ boys, towards productive use.”

NITDA’s Vision: Cross-Sector Collaboration for a Secure Digital Future

NITDA Director-General Malam Kashifu Inuwa emphasized that the conference’s main goal is to foster collaboration among public institutions, private tech players, academia, and international partners.

He outlined key priorities:

• Protection of Critical Infrastructure: Through robust policy, regulatory frameworks, and compliance monitoring.

• Global Partnerships: For intelligence sharing and cross-border threat mitigation.

• Cybersecurity Education: Including hands-on training, hackathons, and workshops.

• Tech Innovation: Promoting homegrown cybersecurity solutions and global best practices.

Cybersecurity Hackathon: MDAs Battle It Out

A major highlight of the conference’s Day 1 was the Cybersecurity Hackathon, which tested the skills of top-performing Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). After an online qualifying round, four teams advanced to an intense 5-hour in-person challenge:

• Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST)

• Nigerian Customs Service

• Ekiti State ICT Department

• Nigerian Defence College

Winners:

🥇 1st Place: Ekiti State ICT Department
🥈 2nd Place: Nigerian Customs Service
🥉 3rd Place: Nigerian Defence College

These results underscored the growing depth of technical expertise within Nigerian public institutions and highlighted the importance of skills development in the cybersecurity space.

Legislative Backing for Cybersecurity Evolution

Senator Shuaibu Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, attended the conference and called for increased engagement between NITDA and lawmakers. He urged the agency to organize sessions to educate digitally-savvy legislators on the evolving cybersecurity landscape.

He affirmed that the National Assembly is committed to updating Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act in line with global standards and the challenges posed by evolving technologies.

Conclusion: A Resilient Digital Future in Sight

The maiden National Cybersecurity Conference served as a clarion call for action—highlighting the urgent need to secure Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and transform cybersecurity into a shared national priority.

As Nigeria continues its ambitious journey toward digital transformation, the Federal Government’s renewed commitments—coupled with active collaboration across sectors—are setting the foundation for a more resilient, secure, and inclusive digital future.

Stay with us for more coverage from NCSC 2025 and what it means for Nigeria’s digital economy.