The federal government of Nigeria has announced plans to host its first-ever National Cybersecurity Conference, aimed at strengthening the country’s digital infrastructure and fostering a secure online environment.
The event, jointly organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), will take place at the Abuja Continental Hotel from July 9 to 10.
The Office of the National Security Adviser and the National Information Technology Development Agency, hosting the event, made the announcement on Sunday.
Nigeria’s commitment to cyber resilience
With the theme “Securing Nigeria’s Digital Future: Innovation, Collaboration, and Resilience,” the two-day hybrid conference underscores the government’s growing commitment to cyber resilience as the nation accelerates its transition to a technology-driven economy.
“As we embrace the opportunities of the digital age, we must also be vigilant against rising cyber threats. This conference marks a strategic intervention to align national efforts and shape cybersecurity policy, innovation, and collaboration,” the NITDA director-general said in a statement.
The conference is being organised in collaboration with QNA International, a Dubai-based industry events leader.
Key features of the cybersecurity conference
Technical workshops, product displays, keynote speeches by world-renowned cybersecurity experts, panel discussions, a Capture the Flag hackathon to identify and empower young people, and an award dinner honoring exceptional contributions to Nigeria’s cybersecurity scene are some of the event’s main features.
The conference’s strategic goals include enhancing workforce development, fostering inter-agency and multi-sectoral coordination, fostering international collaboration in the fight against cybercrime, and bolstering cyber resilience.
In order to create a more secure digital future, the DG urged all relevant parties from the public and private sectors, academia, civil society, and the media to get involved.
“This is more than a conference; it’s a national mission. We count on your voices, your expertise, and your commitment to make Nigeria a global leader in cybersecurity,” the statement added.
NITDA also urged journalists to assist with sensitization campaigns prior to the event, acknowledging the media’s vital role in increasing public awareness.
Nigeria’s cybersecurity posture
Despite some recent improvements, cyberattacks and data breaches have significantly increased in Nigeria in recent years.
Cybercrime has increased in the nation; Nigeria now ranks fifth in the world for cybercrime activity.
There are signs of improvement, though, as the first quarter of 2025 saw a significant drop in data breaches when compared to the same period the year before.
Through a number of projects and partnerships, the nation is also actively attempting to improve its cybersecurity posture.