In an effort to fortify the country’s digital infrastructure, the federal government will construct a state-of-the-art cybersecurity and broadband laboratory in partnership with Cisco, a leading multinational cybersecurity corporation.

Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, on Wednesday announced the partnership on X (previously Twitter) following an inspection tour of the proposed facility. He did not, however, disclose the location of the facility.

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“They (Cisco) reaffirmed their commitment to support our digital transformation initiatives on various fronts on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79) in New York, which is the outcome of ongoing conversations over the last few months,” the minister wrote on X.

The laboratory aims to bolster Nigeria’s digital economy by enhancing cybersecurity capabilities and expanding broadband infrastructure. Mr Tijani revealed that Cisco has committed substantial resources to the project in close collaboration with the ministry.

Mr Tijani praised Cisco’s leadership for their involvement in fostering the partnership, notably Dr Guy Diedrich, Senior Vice President and Global Innovation Officer, and Francine Katsoudas, Executive Vice President and Chief People, Policy, and Purpose Officer.

Nigeria partners Cisco to boost smart agriculture and artificial intelligence 

Last May, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and Cisco signed a memorandum of understanding that was centred on smart agriculture and artificial intelligence.

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As part of the collaboration, the National Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics was repurposed to create an incubation and experience centre for AI and cybersecurity.

Additionally, a broadband innovation centre was established alongside a smart agriculture demonstration farm, and various technology learning hubs were developed.

The agreement with Cisco aligns with Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy, which seeks to position the nation as a leader in Africa’s digital economy by enhancing digital skills, infrastructure, and cybersecurity resilience.