Key players from both government and private sectors recently convened in Abuja and Lagos for the Nigeria Cybersecurity Stakeholder Roundtable. This event, supported by the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT), focused on addressing the pressing cybersecurity challenges facing the nation.
The gathering brought together leading experts from various industries to discuss strategies for navigating Nigeria’s evolving digital security landscape. Collaboration and knowledge sharing were at the heart of the discussions, with participants emphasizing their importance in tackling cybersecurity issues effectively.
Key Focus Areas:
The roundtable discussions highlighted several critical objectives:
- Strengthening Partnerships: Encouraging cooperation between public and private sectors to create a unified approach to combating cyber threats.
- Promoting Knowledge Sharing: Establishing a continuous platform for collaboration among stakeholders to improve cybersecurity practices across industries.
- Identifying Challenges: Assessing the needs and pain points within regulatory frameworks, technology supply chains, and end-user demands to inform future strategies.
- Showcasing Solutions: Providing visibility for innovative cybersecurity tools and practices that can benefit all sectors.
Highlights from the Discussions:
Participants stressed the urgent need for public-private partnerships, ongoing professional training, and heightened awareness to combat the growing threat of cybercrime. They also called for robust frameworks to safeguard Nigeria’s digital assets.
Key Quotes:
Mark Smithson, the UK DBT Country Director in Nigeria, noted:
“As a global leader in cybersecurity innovation, the UK is well-positioned to collaborate with Nigeria to address emerging threats and enhance digital security in both countries.”
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, Director General of NITDA, underscored the shared responsibility in safeguarding digital ecosystems:
“Cybersecurity requires coordinated action at all levels. Together, we can protect critical assets and build a secure, resilient future for everyone.”
Haruna Jalo-Waziri, CEO of Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) Plc, pointed out the sophistication of modern cyber threats:
“With businesses, especially in financial services, facing an alarming rate of attacks, addressing these challenges demands continuous education, partnerships, and a collective commitment to securing our digital future.”
Jude Chiemeka, CEO of Nigerian Exchange Limited, emphasized the economic impact of cyber threats:
“Cybersecurity risks could undermine Nigeria’s vision as Africa’s digital powerhouse. In 2021 alone, Nigerian banks lost ₦14.65 billion to electronic fraud—a staggering 187% increase from the previous year.”
Moving Forward:
The roundtable provided an invaluable opportunity to foster dialogue on Nigeria’s cybersecurity needs outside the typical awareness campaigns. Organizers, including NITDA, NGX, and Tech4Dev, were praised for facilitating these critical discussions that aim to create a secure digital environment for Nigeria’s growth and innovation.
