Nigerian Government, Cybersecurity Stakeholders Emphasise Collaborative Efforts to Strengthen Cybersecurity

The Nigerian Government and stakeholders in the cybersecurity sector have emphasised the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing to strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity posture.

This emphasis was made at the October edition of the “Devs-in-Government” programme in Abuja, Nigeria, under the theme “Secure Our World: Building a Safer Digital Future for Nigeria’s Public Sector.”

The programme provided a platform for stakeholders to share insights, and best practices, and explore innovative approaches to emerging threats and strategies to protect public sector digital infrastructure, building a safer digital future.

“Devs-in-Government” is championed by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, to support deploying technology in transforming the Nigerian Civil Service into a high-performing, efficient, and citizen-centric institution, with a community of technologists and tech enthusiasts within the Civil Service.

Organised by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, and supported by Galaxy Backbone and The World Bank, experts emphasised the need for collective efforts to combat growing cyber threats.

In his opening remarks, the Director of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) of the Ministry, Mr Samuel Okoye, noted that as Nigeria’s digital landscape evolves, cybersecurity remains crucial.

He stated that government agencies and public sector organisations hold sensitive data and deliver essential services impacting Nigerians’ lives.

Okoye underscored that protecting these digital assets from growing cyber threats is a collective responsibility.

“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that these digital assets and systems are protected against the growing array of cyber threats.

“The Cyber Security Awareness Month provides us with an ideal opportunity to reinforce our commitment to this mission.

“As we gather here today, we are reminded of the critical importance of cybersecurity in our rapidly evolving digital landscape.

“Every day, government agencies and public sector organisations hold vast amounts of sensitive data, connect countless systems, and deliver essential services that impact the lives of Nigerians.”

Also Read: NITDA Director General Emphasises Cybersecurity’s Role in National Security

He emphasised that Nigeria could fortify its digital infrastructure and ensure a secure and resilient public sector through collaboration, adding that Cybersecurity Awareness Month is an opportunity for all to learn from one another.

In his remarks, Mr James Carroll, West Africa Cyber Lead, British High Commission, shared insights on tackling borderless, faceless threats.

Carroll noted that these organised networks operate like businesses, complete with recruitment, training, finance, and luxury.

He stated that international collaboration and mastering basics like strong passwords, system updates, and firewall maintenance are crucial in combating this issue.

“The UK’s strategy focuses on engaging its young, tech-savvy population by teaching digital skills, promoting cybersecurity careers, and creating a digital pipeline.

“Nigeria, with its youthful demographic, can adopt similar approaches, such as educating kids on cybersecurity, encouraging tech enthusiasm, and developing digital literacy.”

He added that by working together and building a strong foundation, Nigeria and the UK can effectively address cybercrime challenges.

During a panel session, Dr. Zareefa Mustapha, Manager of the Cybersecurity Department at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), highlighted that many government organisations are often sceptical when NITDA identifies vulnerabilities in their systems.

Mustapha called for collaboration among government agencies and greater openness to information sharing.

Other panellists from Galaxy Backbone Ltd and the Nigerian Communications Commission called for capacity building, implementing effective cybersecurity measures, promoting cybersecurity awareness and education, and encouraging international cooperation to combat cyber threats, among other strategies to strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity and protect its digital landscape.