Nigeria’s Cyber Security Landscape: A Call for Comprehensive National Strategy

By Oluwatobi Adeleke, Social Media Coordinator, PROFESSOR ADEMOLA OJO EMMANUEL FOUNDATION

Nigeria is currently facing significant challenges in its cyber security sector that demand urgent and strategic intervention. In a compelling interview on the Jordan in Focus radio program, Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola, Nigeria’s first professor of Cyber Security and Information Technology Management, provided a stark evaluation of the nation’s digital vulnerabilities and stressed the crucial need for a proactive security strategy.

Professor Ademola, a distinguished figure in the field, has garnered global recognition, attaining Chartered Manager status and being the first professor of African descent to receive the Chartered Fellow (CMgr FCMI) designation from the Royal Chartered Management Institute. His contributions to academia and cyber security have established him as a respected thought leader, further underlined by his inclusion on the Google Knowledge Panel, where he stands out as the sole African with four distinct profiles showcasing his expertise as an author, journalist, professor, and public figure.

Cyber Security Threats and Nigeria’s Vulnerabilities:

Professor Ademola highlighted several pressing concerns, including limited professional expertise, weak legal frameworks, and inadequate technological infrastructure, leaving Nigeria susceptible to cyber threats. He emphasised the necessity of prioritising cyber security as a national imperative, advocating for a multi-faceted approach to address current vulnerabilities and secure Nigeria’s digital landscape.

Proposed Solutions and Key Recommendations:

To tackle these challenges, Professor Ademola outlined several strategic solutions:
1. Establishment of Cyber Security Centers in local government areas to establish decentralised security hubs.
2. Implementation of Robust Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to bolster protection against cyber threats.
3. Comprehensive Training Programs integrating cyber security education across all academic levels.
4. Strengthened Public-Private Partnerships to encourage collaboration between the government, private sector, and security agencies.
5. Utilisation of Emerging Technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, to enhance cyber security resilience.

The Brain Drain Challenge and Retaining Cyber Security Talent:

Professor Ademola expressed concerns regarding the brain drain occurring in Nigeria’s cyber security sector, noting that many skilled professionals are leaving the country in search of better opportunities. To reverse this trend, he proposed interventions such as competitive salary packages, professional development initiatives, and fostering an innovative cyber security ecosystem that encourages experts to contribute locally rather than seeking roles abroad.

A Call for Government Action:

Highlighting the economic and national security implications of cyber security, Professor Ademola urged the Nigerian government to implement dynamic policies and increase funding for cyber security initiatives. He emphasised the need for Nigeria to shift from being solely a consumer of technology to becoming an exporter of cyber security solutions, positioning itself as a leader in digital security within Africa and globally.

“We must cultivate a culture of digital vigilance,” declared Professor Ademola, underscoring the pivotal role cyber security plays in safeguarding Nigeria’s digital economy.

As Nigeria progresses through its digital transformation, implementing a comprehensive cyber security strategy will be vital in safeguarding critical infrastructure, ensuring data security, and bolstering Nigeria’s global competitiveness in the technology sphere.