Nigeria’s Minister Highlights Cybersecurity Strategy Amid Rising Threats
Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, has emphasized four fundamental pillars intended to steer the establishment of the new Cybersecurity Coordination Ministerial Advisory Committee. This initiative comes in response to a notable increase in cyber threats targeting both public and private sector information systems.
During the inaugural stakeholder engagement session held in Abuja, Tijani expressed that the committee will concentrate on developing a national cyber resilience framework founded on principles of accountability, information sharing, policy coordination, and cross-sector collaboration.
The proposal for a Cybersecurity Coordinating Council arises from recent attacks on various public and private entities, including the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and Sterling Bank. These incidents have underscored the urgent need for a coordinated defense against cyber intrusions.
In his address, the Minister asserted that the surge in cyberattacks is indicative of the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy, not a deficiency in preparedness. He reported that approximately 163 million of Nigeria’s estimated 230 to 240 million citizens now have internet access, with 4G coverage reaching around 84% of the nation. The government is actively working to transition more users to 5G and other advanced technologies.
Tijani revealed that the government is allocating $2 billion for the deployment of 90,000 kilometers of fiber optic infrastructure, coupled with a presidential directive to install approximately 3,700 additional communications towers. He stressed that while Nigeria’s digital economy is on an upward trajectory, this progress brings with it significant cybersecurity challenges similar to those encountered by more digitally mature nations.
In addressing the importance of the digital sector, Tijani noted that the digital economy’s contribution to GDP has risen from between 16% and 18% when he took office to nearly 20% currently, with a target of achieving close to 21% within the next four years. He warned that as Nigeria’s digital economy expands, it inevitably attracts more cyber threats, highlighting that the increase in attacks is no mere coincidence.
Framework for Cyber Resilience
Highlighting the urgent need for action, Tijani indicated that Nigeria experiences thousands of cyber incidents weekly, and stressed the importance of a collaborative approach in addressing these challenges. He elaborated on the four pillars that will underlie the proposed council: ongoing accountability, reliable information sharing, coordinated national efforts, and strategic risk foresight. This platform aims to consolidate initiatives rather than duplicate existing efforts.
He further advocated for collaboration between the public and private sectors, emphasizing that while governmental systems are at risk, the greater vulnerability often lies within private platforms that engage directly with the public.
Essential Coordination for National Security
Nadungu Gagare, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Digital Economy, underscored that cybersecurity is pivotal to Nigeria’s development goals and called for a unified national strategy. He likened a digital economy without robust cybersecurity to a city devoid of law and order—vulnerable and unsustainable. Gagare reinforced that cybersecurity transcends a mere IT issue, impacting the integrity of financial systems, critical infrastructure, citizen trust, and overall competitiveness.
The establishment of the council marks a transition from fragmented efforts to a coherent national strategy, as no single agency can tackle the evolving cyber threats in isolation.
New AI-Driven Threats
National Information Technology Development Authority (NITDA) Director-General Kashif Abdullahi cautioned that the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is complicating the cybersecurity landscape. He highlighted the emergence of threats such as AI-generated malware and automated ransomware, emphasizing that these risks are increasingly difficult to detect.
Abdullahi remarked, “The only way governments and the private sector can work together is because no one can protect themselves in isolation. We are only as strong as our weakest link.”
The proposed council aims to foster a multi-stakeholder environment, drawing together government entities, industry players, and academic institutions to bolster Nigeria’s cyber resilience, enhance real-time information exchange, and align national policy. Stakeholders, including representatives from financial institutions, the telecommunications sector, and the Central Bank of Nigeria, were invited to contribute insights into the council’s structure and objectives, as the government aims to create an inclusive and proactive organization to guide Nigeria’s cybersecurity strategy amidst a rapidly digitalizing economy.
