The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has declared Nigeria a safe and inviting destination for technology companies.
Ribadu made the declaration on Wednesday in Abuja, at a two-day maiden edition of the National Cyber Security Conference (NCSC).
The event, organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), was a gathering of stakeholders from the public and private sectors under the theme “Building a Resilient Digital Future.”
Highlighting the importance of innovation and resilience in securing Nigeria’s digital future, Ribadu expressed confidence in the nation’s leadership and the ongoing efforts to stabilise the economy.
He, therefore, urged global tech firms to consider Nigeria as a prime location for investment.
He emphasised the nation’s readiness for collaboration, stating, “You can live well in our country. Lagos is as good as any place where you can have a good life, and it’s a safe place. Nigeria is safe and getting safer every single day.”
He called for partnerships with reputable tech companies, noting that the country led by President Bola Tinubu is in safe hands.
“I honestly, strongly, genuinely want to encourage the big tech companies to come to Nigeria. We have quality leadership today in our country. Mr. President is American-trained, very enlightened. He knows things. He is far ahead of whatever you are doing. He is modern and educated. And people like me want to be digital national security advisers.
“We also have an outstanding team in charge of our country, and I can assure you, Nigeria is in safe hands. Nigeria will only do better. We are on the journey of recovery, and we will win.
“Our economy is stabilising, things are getting better day by day. This is the time to come to our country. This is the time to redefine our country and make it a country for the future,” Ribadu affirmed.
Outlining the notable initiatives under the current administration to enhance the country’s cybersecurity, the NSA noted the operationalisation of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCCC) for real-time response and inter-agency collaboration, and the Executive Order on the Protection of Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), aimed at safeguarding vital digital assets, among others.
Other achievements mentioned include a review of the Cybercrime Act and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy to incorporate advancements in AI and other emerging technologies. There is also an emphasis on improved coordination with communication companies and security agencies to protect telecom infrastructure.
Ribadu emphasised that resilience is now a national security imperative, not an option, as banks, hospitals, schools, and public services increasingly face cyber threats.
He also acknowledged key institutions such as the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for revitalising digital identity infrastructure; the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for its role in monitoring communication infrastructure and supporting national security; and the cybersecurity ecosystem for fostering a privacy-first culture and enhancing national cyber-readiness.
“We have taken control. Quietly and silently, things are changing. You will wake up one fine morning and see a different Nigeria,” the NSA declared
Earlier in his welcome address, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, noted the significance of the conference.
According to Inuwa, it is a defining moment in Nigeria’s journey towards a secure and resilient digital future.
He noted the impressive turnout, with over 600 registrations from 175 organisations across various sectors, including government, academia, and civil society. Inuwa emphasised the need for collaboration to strengthen national cybersecurity resilience, highlighting the importance of robust policies and frameworks to protect critical infrastructure.
The DG also outlined the various workshops and hackathons designed to engage participants from different backgrounds.
He said, “We are actively strengthening international collaboration through strategic partnerships with over 12 organisations.”
He concluded by emphasising the need to recognise excellence in cybersecurity, announcing that twelve awards would be presented across various categories during the conference.
The keynote address by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, further emphasised the need to address cybersecurity threats.
“Over the past decade, Nigeria has rapidly embraced digital innovation and transformation,” Olukoyede remarked.
Acknowledging the vulnerabilities that accompany such growth. Olukoyede emphasised the importance of a collaborative approach to combating cyber threats.
“The resilient digital future is not only possible, it is within our reach,” the EFCC boss stated.
He, therefore, called for a united front among financial institutions, regulators, and law enforcement agencies to tackle the challenges posed by cybercriminals.
The event was held in partnership with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and QnA Dubai.
