By Cyber Era NG Special Correspondent
At the maiden National Cybersecurity Conference (NCSC), organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with the National Security Advser’s(NSA’s) office, the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s cyberspace by bolstering cybersecurity resilience against emerging digital threats.
According to the the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, made the pledge Wednesday in Abuja while addressing participants at the NCSC.
The two-day conference with the theme, “Building a Resilient Digital Future,” drew participation from 175 organisations, including embassies, ministries, agencies, universities, and technology firms.
Mallam Ribadu described the event as a defining moment in Nigeria’s digital security journey. “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,” he said.
The NSA outlined several measures underway, including the establishment of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre for real-time response to cyber threats.
Ribadu also touched on 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.
He added that improved coordination with telecom operators and security agencies was underway to protect critical telecom infrastructure.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Olanipekun Olukoyede, highlighted the vulnerabilities within Nigeria’s rapidly growing fintech sector.
He listed banking malware, cryptocurrency scams, fake fintech apps, and social engineering as major threats.
Olukoyede said the EFCC was leveraging digital forensics and intelligence collaboration to fight cybercrime and announced plans to establish a Cybersecurity Research Centre by 2026.
“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.
Director-General of NITDA, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, explained that the conference was aimed at fostering collaboration among government agencies, private sector actors, academia, and global partners.
“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 said.
According to him, it would further encourage investment in cybersecurity technologies by showcasing innovative solutions and industry best practices from both local and international players through exhibitions, among other objectives.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Sen. Shuaibu Salisu urged NITDA to orient digitally inclined lawmakers on relevant legislation.
He said insights from the conference would help update Nigeria’s Cybercrime Law.
