The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has declared that cybersecurity is no longer a peripheral concern but a national security priority, underscoring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s digital resilience.
Speaking on behalf of the President while declaring open the National Cybersecurity Conference 2025 in Abuja, Ribadu said the increasing complexity of digital threats to national infrastructure, public institutions, and citizens has made cybersecurity a front-burner issue for national planning and security.
“Cybersecurity today defines how secure our economy, institutions, and citizens are. It is a national security imperative. This is not just about modern systems it’s about safeguarding our nation’s future. We are investing, training, and coordinating efforts across all levels to ensure we do not lag behind,” Ribadu stated.
The event, organized by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), brought together a wide array of stakeholders from the Nigerian government, private sector, international partners, diplomatic corps, and academia.
In his welcome address, NITDA Director-General, Dr. Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, described the conference as part of a national movement to develop a digitally secure and economically inclusive Nigeria. He noted that NITDA’s strategic roadmap, developed in alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, is driven by eight core pillars including digital literacy, emerging technologies, regulatory reforms, and inclusive infrastructure.
He revealed that Nigeria is aiming for 95% digital literacy by 2030, supported by initiatives such as the 3 Million Tech Talent program and acceleration schemes to harness technologies like Artificial Intelligence, IoT, Blockchain, and Additive Manufacturing.
Among the key contributors to the dialogue was Prof. Ibrahim Adepoju Adeyanju, Managing Director/CEO of Galaxy Backbone Ltd, who spoke passionately on the need to reinforce digital trust and preparedness.
“Cyberattacks are no longer hypothetical. Nation-state actors and criminal networks are actively targeting government databases, financial systems, and critical national infrastructure,” Adepoju warned.
“Our 24/7 Security Operations Centre and the Advanced Security System Operations Centre (ASSOC) have been positioned to proactively monitor threats, facilitate threat intelligence sharing with agencies like NCC, NITDA, OMSA, and ensure recovery. But cybersecurity is more than technology it is governance, awareness, and shared responsibility.”
Prof. Adepoju stressed that building a resilient digital future required more than declarations it demands that every stakeholder, including technologists, policymakers, civil servants, and citizens, contribute actively to protecting the digital space.
This sentiment was echoed by the National Commissioner of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, who emphasized that securing platforms, applications, and devices is critical in today’s hyperconnected world. He warned of serious consequences from unsecured digital environments and reiterated the Commission’s goal to implement a National Cybersecurity Framework (CyberPack) by 2026 to ensure accountability and safety across sectors.
In a show of legislative backing, Hon. Adedeji S. Olajide, Chairman of the House Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, praised the efforts of NITDA and partner agencies while reaffirming the National Assembly’s commitment to supporting legal and institutional reforms that protect Nigeria’s digital assets.
“Cybersecurity has evolved from being a technical subject to a matter of national security, economic survival, and human rights. As lawmakers, we are committed to ensuring that frameworks evolve with the threat landscape and that Nigeria’s digital future is safe for innovation, investment, and development,” Olajide said.
Senator Shuaibu A. Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, added that Nigeria’s digital economy must be underpinned by strong cybersecurity institutions. He advocated for deeper collaboration with civil society, academia, and the judiciary, noting that the legislative and executive arms must align to support robust digital policies and talent development.
International support was also reinforced at the event. The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Mills Jr., revealed that over 3,000 cyberattacks were recorded in Nigeria in Q1 2025 alone, pointing to the scale and urgency of the threats. He emphasized that protecting cyberspace is not only about national security but also a prerequisite for sustaining economic prosperity and trust in digital systems.
“Cyber insecurity erodes institutions and undermines economies. We are committed to working with Nigeria to strengthen its cybersecurity posture. Collaboration with agencies like the FBI and other cybersecurity task forces will continue,” Ambassador Mills assured.
The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Regional Director, Dr. Emma Manasseh, lauded Nigeria’s recent elevation to vice-chair of the ITU’s global internet governance forum. She commended the government’s effort in promoting universal, meaningful digital connectivity, stressing that digital transformation and cyber trust must grow hand-in-hand to close the digital divide.
The conference concluded with a vote of thanks delivered on behalf of the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Adeladan Rafiu Olarinre. He described the conference as a milestone in national digital dialogue and called on institutions and stakeholders to sustain the tempo of engagement, collaboration, and innovation.
“Cybersecurity professionals are now central to our national development. This conference has shown that we are ready to lead and shape the future of cybersecurity in Africa. Our gratitude goes to every participant, sponsor, speaker, and partner for making this a success,” he said.
Themed “Building a Resilient Digital Future”, the 2024 National Cybersecurity Conference served as a unifying platform for multi-sector collaboration, policy alignment, investment advocacy, and knowledge sharing as Nigeria chart a clear path toward digital sovereignty and cyber resilience in an increasingly volatile global cyber landscape.
