Federal Government Launches Cybersecurity Coordinating Council
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced its intention to create a Private Sector and Cybersecurity Coordinating Council aimed at bolstering cyber resilience throughout the nation. This initiative seeks to facilitate a collaborative response to the evolving landscape of cyber threats affecting both public and private sectors.
On Wednesday, Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, introduced the proposal in a statement emphasizing the government’s commitment to partnering with the private sector and key stakeholders to tackle cyber threats across various industries in Nigeria.
Addressing Cybersecurity Incidents
Minister Tijani pointed out that this initiative arises from a series of recent cybersecurity incidents that have significantly disrupted operations and posed risks to businesses and consumers alike. These events underscore the sophisticated and coordinated nature of cyber threats orchestrated by organized attackers aiming to undermine confidence in Nigeria’s burgeoning digital landscape.
In response, the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Advisor (ONSA), plans to nurture structured partnerships among government entities, private sector operators, industry associations, and regulatory bodies. This collaborative effort aims to enhance the framework for cybersecurity cooperation throughout the country.
Composition of the Cybersecurity Coordination Council
The proposed Cybersecurity Coordination Council will encompass a broad spectrum of participants, including Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) from vital sectors, notable cybersecurity professional associations, the Computer Society of Nigeria, and international technology providers’ cybersecurity teams.
Additionally, the initiative will invite contributions from equipment manufacturers operating within Nigeria, digital security researchers, technical experts, law enforcement agencies, civil society organizations, and various government ministries whose responsibilities encompass cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and information governance.
Enhancing Cyber Threat Detection and Response
Minister Tijani highlighted that the collaborative efforts of council stakeholders will be essential in developing effective early detection mechanisms for cyber threats. The aim is to implement strategies for managing cyber risks across various sectors effectively.
This collective approach will facilitate the sharing of threat intelligence, establish reliable systems for early detection and coordinated responses to cyber incidents, and create comprehensive cyber defense protocols that align with the National Cyber Security Strategy. Furthermore, stakeholders will work to bolster operational coordination mechanisms, capacity-building programs, and incident recovery efforts to enhance Nigeria’s cybersecurity workforce and infrastructure.
Facilitating the Council’s Establishment
Tijani has mandated the National Information Technology Development Authority (NITDA), the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Galaxy Backbone Limited, and the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to collaboratively establish a Technical Coordination Secretariat. This secretariat will develop initial Terms of Reference (ToR) that will guide stakeholder engagement and aid the consultation process leading to the Council’s formation.
The secretariat is expected to be housed within NITDA and will operate under the strategic oversight of the Minister’s Office to ensure compliance with national cybersecurity priorities and collaborative objectives across sectors.
Encouraging Nationwide Participation
As part of the engagement strategy, a National Cybersecurity Industry Roundtable will take place in April 2026, marking the formal commencement of stakeholder consultations. This event will provide a platform for technical dialogue, partnership building, and the co-creation of the proposed Council Operating Framework.
Minister Tijani underscored the necessity of a whole-of-nation approach to safeguarding Nigeria’s digital infrastructure, emphasizing that countering cyber threats is a shared national duty. He called for strong partnerships, trusted cooperation, and collective vigilance among government, industry, and civil society to enhance Nigeria’s ability to detect threats promptly, respond effectively, and build a resilient digital ecosystem.
Finally, Tijani encouraged all stakeholders from various sectors to engage proactively in the consultation process and contribute to developing a sustainable, partnership-driven cybersecurity model capable of combating cybercriminal activity and safeguarding citizens, businesses, and national digital assets.
