Nigeria to Host First National Cybersecurity Conference

Abuja, Nigeria – Nigeria’s cybersecurity framework is set to receive a significant boost with the announcement of the country’s first-ever National Cybersecurity Conference. Scheduled for July 9th and 10th, 2025, at the Abuja Continental Hotel, the event was officially unveiled at a press conference by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and its partners.

The conference is a collaborative effort involving NITDA, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), QNA, and other key public and private sector stakeholders. Its chosen theme, “Building a Resilient Digital Future,” underscores the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures in an increasingly digital world. This initiative aligns directly with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” which prioritizes strengthening national security for peace and prosperity.

Analysis: Why This Conference is Crucial Now

This inaugural conference comes at a critical juncture for Nigeria and the global digital landscape, highlighting several pressing needs.

1. Explosive Digital Growth Meets Escalating Threats: Nigeria boasts Africa’s largest economy and a rapidly expanding digital footprint, with over 134 million internet users. While its digital economy is contributing significantly to GDP, projected to rise further, this rapid transformation also creates a larger attack surface for cybercriminals. Global cybercrime damages are forecast to reach $10.5 trillion annually by 2025, and Nigeria has recently experienced a surge in weekly cyberattacks, with its vulnerability ranking on the Global Threat Index shifting dramatically.
2. The AI Paradox: Both Weapon and Shield: The rise of Artificial Intelligence presents a dual challenge. While AI is increasingly being leveraged by cybercriminals to launch automated and sophisticated attacks (e.g., AI-powered phishing, polymorphic malware, deepfakes), it’s also crucial for developing advanced defensive mechanisms. The conference’s focus on “Building a Resilient Digital Future” suggests an intent to harness AI for robust cybersecurity while mitigating its misuse.
3. Strengthening Policy and Collaboration: The event is expected to contribute to a clearer roadmap for fully establishing Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act and fostering stronger global collaboration. Cybercrime transcends national borders, making international synergy essential. The participation of key public and private sector partners, along with international experts, underscores a “whole-of-society” and “whole-of-government” approach necessary to combat evolving digital threats and build national resilience.
4. Critical Talent Shortage and Youth Empowerment: Nigeria, like many nations, faces a significant cybersecurity talent gap. With over 60% of its population under 25, there’s immense potential to train and empower a new generation of cyber defenders.

In essence, the conference is a proactive measure to safeguard Nigeria’s burgeoning digital economy, address complex and evolving cyber threats, and develop the human capital required to secure its digital future in an increasingly interconnected and vulnerable world.