Abuja: The Federal Government has affirmed its commitment to protecting the privacy and rights of Nigerians in the digital realm. To this end, it has developed a range of policy and regulatory frameworks aimed at bolstering cybersecurity.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Ayodele Bakare, Assistant Director of the Cybersecurity Department at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), emphasized in an interview that Nigeria’s approach to cybersecurity governance is collaborative, involving various government institutions with distinct responsibilities. The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) spearheads the coordination of national cybersecurity initiatives through the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre, which acts as its operational arm.
Dr. Bakare explained that cybersecurity implementation in Nigeria is a collective effort, with different government organizations handling specific aspects of the national cybersecurity framework. He noted that ONSA plays a pivotal role by coordinating these efforts.
One of the fundamental policy instruments directing the nation’s cybersecurity measures is the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy Framework. Additionally, the Cybercrimes Prohibition and Prevention Act 2015, which was recently amended in 2024, provides a legal framework to enhance Nigeria’s capability to counter cyber threats and digital crimes.
Dr. Bakare highlighted that NITDA has also introduced sector-specific regulations to boost cybersecurity within the country, including the National Public Key Infrastructure Regulation. This regulation is crucial for ensuring trust and security in digital communications and transactions.
NITDA has been instrumental in shaping Nigeria’s data protection landscape through the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019, which set the groundwork for the current data protection framework. Dr. Bakare remarked that Nigeria’s legal and policy environment for cybersecurity continues to strengthen, as evidenced by the country’s performance in the Global Cybersecurity Index, particularly under the legal measures pillar.
He concluded by stressing the importance of sustained collaboration among government agencies and stakeholders to effectively implement existing policies and fortify Nigeria’s digital security infrastructure.