Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, and Other Industry Stakeholders at the Press Conference, in Abuja, FCT
*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, urges all Information Technology enthusiasts, relevant key stakeholders, and critical players in the public and private sectors of the Nigerian economy to be a part of the groundbreaking
the inaugural National Cybersecurity Conference 2025 slated for July 7-10, in Abuja
Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect
As Nigeria records over 134 million Internet users coupled with growing the Fifth Generation technology (5G) reach, experts and other stakeholders in the digital ecosystem have opined that robust cybersecurity is critical and necessary.
ConsumerConnect reports the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), QNA, and other key stakeholders will convene the inaugural National Cybersecurity Conference 2025 (NCSC 2025) slated for July 7-10 this year, at the Abuja Continental Hotel, FCT.
The event, which is hosted by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy (FMCIDE), has the theme, “Building a Resilient Digital Future”.
The Federal Government, at a press conference, in Abuja, FCT, disclosed the fundamental objective of the forthcoming four-day cybersecurity summit is to address Nigeria’s digital vulnerabilities, and highlight strategies to empower the next generation of cyber defenders in the country’s cyberspace.
It is also noted that the global cybercrime landscape is evolving fast, with the cumulative damage projected to hit $10.5 trillion annually by the end of this year.
Nigeria in global digital ecosystem
As Africa’s top startup hub, Nigeria must protect its digital gains resulting from rising cyberthreats, many powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The government observed among such digital gains in the ecosystem was the estimated 17.68 percent contribution of digital economy to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) 2024.
It further stated that with over 134 million Internet consumers and growing 5G reach, experts have opined that the need for robust cybersecurity is not optional but critical.
Speaking on the significance of the inaugural National Cybersecurity Conference 2025, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, was quoted to have said: “As Nigeria embraces digital transformation across sectors, the threats to our digital infrastructure, economy, and individual citizens grow increasingly sophisticated.
“Recognising the critical need to address these challenges with foresight and collaboration, NCSC emerges as a timely and strategic platform for fostering resilience, knowledge exchange and cross-sector partnerships.”
The Minister stated: “I commend the National Information Technology Development Agency for convening this crucial gathering, and for their leadership in advancing Nigeria’s cybersecurity framework.”
Among other features of the proposed summit is the central focus on youth empowerment.
The forum will also feature workshops, panel discussions, and a high-stake Cybersecurity Hackathon that will spotlight youth-led solutions, startups, and innovation.
The stakeholders as well observed that with over 60 percent of Nigerians under 25 and Internet penetration among youths at 90 percent, the potential to close Africa’s cybersecurity workforce gap, currently at 68,000 unfilled roles, lies in Nigeria’s hands.
According to NITDA, the Nigerian Government is already laying the groundwork in this regard.
Digital initiatives, such as the 3 Million Tech Talents (3MTT) programme, Digital Literacy for All (DL4All), and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda are channelling youths’ energy toward economic diversification and tech talent acceleration.
Speaking at the media briefing, Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, urged all Information Technology (IT) enthusiasts, relevant key stakeholders, and critical players in the public and private sectors of the economy to be a part of the groundbreaking conference.
Inuwa also emphasised the conference is not just about defending Nigeria against cyberthreats, but about building a future where cybersecurity is a key enabler of trust, innovation, and national prosperity.
The Director-General of NITDA stated that by the end of 2025, Nigeria’s cybersecurity sector is projected to grow by 20 percent in job opportunities, with salaries for entry-level roles expected to reach N4–6 million per annum.
The IT sector regulatory agency noted that the event would feature the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards, honouring individuals and institutions that are driving digital safety across varied sectors of the Nigerian economy.
It is also expected that at the end of the conference, stakeholders and participants should be able to come up with a clear roadmap towards establishing the full Cybercrimes Act.
There should also be a stronger global collaboration built, as synergy is required to curb the threats posed by digital criminals, NITDA stated.
Accordingly Ng to the agency, the Nigerian Government as well hopes to use the forthcoming conference to harness talents and provide mentorship to young talents who, if not guided, might otherwise use their cyber skills to become menaces to society.
