By Naeemah Junaid
In a bold move to bolster Nigeria’s digital resilience, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in partnership with Google, has organised a two-day Cybersecurity Workshop in Abuja.
The engagement created a platform for stakeholders to evaluate Nigeria’s cybersecurity frameworks, identify critical gaps, and explore collaborative solutions to strengthen national resilience and build digital trust. With the rapid expansion of Nigeria’s digital economy, cybersecurity has become a national priority—protecting citizens, safeguarding innovation, and reinforcing confidence in digital services.
Representing the NITDA Director General, the Assistant Director of Cybersecurity Department, Dr. Ayodele Bakare, described the workshop as both “timely and strategic.” He highlighted progress made through instruments such as the Cybercrime Prohibition and Prevention Act (2015, amended 2024) and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy. He further noted that while sector-specific regulations—like the National PKI Regulation and the Nigerian Data Protection Act—provide structure, coordinated action is vital.
“Beyond umbrella policies, Nigeria also has sector-specific frameworks which form the backbone of our digital security landscape,” Inuwa said. “This workshop offers the opportunity to highlight both strategic and operational gaps, while working with Google to find innovative ways of addressing them.”
Clayton Naidoo, Google’s Strategic Missions and Partnerships Director, Google’s perspective, the collaboration centers on knowledge sharing rather than product promotion. stressing that the company’s commitment is to align with Nigeria’s cyber defense priorities.
“We are here to share how we protect one of the largest attack surfaces in the world and to align with you on new cybersecurity principles,” Naidoo explained. “Where there are gaps, we will be open and transparent to ensure this collaboration is fruitful.”
Welcoming the Google team, Prof. Abdullah Mohammad, Director of the National Cybersecurity Training Institute at the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center (NCCC) on behalf of the National Security Adviser underscored the role of partnerships in building resilience.
“The Office of the National Security Adviser coordinates all national cybersecurity programs, and we believe collaboration is key to capacity building and strengthening our defenses,” Prof. Mohammad said. He added that training, research, and innovation remain central to Nigeria’s cybersecurity agenda.
Across the two days, discussions focused on policy development, capacity building, and infrastructure deployment capable of withstanding evolving threats.
The NITDA Google Cybersecurity Workshop marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s cybersecurity journey. By merging Google’s global expertise with NITDA’s regulatory mandate and the NCCC’s coordinating role, the initiative laid the groundwork for stronger cooperation, practical solutions, and forward-looking strategies.
With digital trust at the heart of sustainable economic growth, experts believe Nigeria’s continued investment in cybersecurity will not only protect its citizens but also attract innovation and investment—consolidating its position as one of Africa’s leading digital economies.
