Nigeria has taken another major step toward strengthening its digital security framework as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with Google, hosted a two-day Cybersecurity Workshop in Abuja. The event brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and cybersecurity experts to evaluate existing national protections and chart new pathways for safeguarding the country’s digital ecosystem.
Held at a time when Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital economy faces increasing cyber threats, the workshop focused on identifying security gaps, enhancing capacity, and promoting unified cybersecurity governance across sectors.
Representing NITDA’s Director General, Dr. Ayodele Bakare, Assistant Director of the Cybersecurity Department, noted that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader push to strengthen cyber governance. He highlighted existing national instruments such as the Cybercrime Prohibition and Prevention Act (2015, amended 2024), the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy, and sector-specific regulations including the National PKI Regulation and the Nigerian Data Protection Act. According to NITDA, ensuring coordinated implementation of these frameworks is essential for improving national resilience.
Google’s delegation emphasized the company’s commitment to capacity building and knowledge sharing, citing its long-standing experience in managing one of the world’s largest digital infrastructures. The tech giant expressed readiness to support Nigeria in addressing emerging cybersecurity gaps and aligning with global best practices.
The National Cybersecurity Coordination Center (NCCC), represented by Prof. Abdullah Mohammad on behalf of the National Security Adviser, stressed the need for multi-stakeholder collaboration to drive innovation, research, and skills development. The Center reaffirmed its mandate to coordinate national cybersecurity programmes and facilitate synergy among government agencies.
Over the course of the workshop, participants explored strategies for policy refinement, workforce development, and the deployment of resilient cybersecurity infrastructure capable of responding to evolving threats.
The NITDA–Google Cybersecurity Workshop is widely regarded as a key milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen digital trust. By combining national regulatory experience with global expertise, the initiative sets the foundation for deeper collaboration, more effective interventions, and long-term cybersecurity preparedness.
Experts say sustained investment in cybersecurity remains crucial for protecting citizens, attracting innovation, and advancing Nigeria’s ambition to become a leading digital economy in Africa.
