The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled plans to establish a National Cybersecurity Council aimed at strengthening coordination among key stakeholders, improving cyber resilience, and supporting the nation's rapidly expanding digital economy. This announcement was made during the Second Stakeholder Session toward the Establishment of a Ministerial Advisory Council for Cybersecurity Coordination, held in Lagos.
Stakeholder Collaboration Emphasized
Representing the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, the National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, stressed the urgent need for stronger collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, security institutions, academia, and industry groups. He highlighted that technology and innovation are critical drivers of economic growth, but increasing cyber threats require a coordinated national response.
Olatunji noted that data protection, cybersecurity, and digital trust remain central to Nigeria's digital transformation agenda. The proposed council, still undergoing stakeholder consultations, is expected to serve as a platform for information sharing, policy coordination, industry engagement, and strategic advice to the government on cybersecurity and digital development issues.
Defence Minister Calls for Local Tech Solutions
As plans for the council unfold, Nigeria's Defence Minister, General Christopher Musa, has called on the country's tech community—including innovators, researchers, and startups—to play a more active role in strengthening national security through locally developed solutions. He made this appeal in Lagos during the Omniverse Africa 3.0 Summit, where he delivered a keynote address titled "The 70/30 Rule: Why Nigeria's Security and Innovation Agendas are the Same National Project," according to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Leah Katung-Babatunde.
Musa argued that modern security challenges can no longer be addressed solely through traditional military equipment. He stressed the need for Nigeria to reduce reliance on imported defence technology and instead build its own capabilities. He said the country must combine military strength with innovation, strategic foresight, and industrial capacity, adding that the future of security will depend on technological advancement as much as operational strength.
According to him, the Ministry of Defence is already reviewing its policies, procurement systems, and training frameworks to place greater emphasis on emerging technologies such as unmanned systems, robotics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence governance, surveillance tools, secure communications, data-driven decision-making systems, and local manufacturing capacity.
NDPC Warns of Intensifying Cyber Threats
Meanwhile, the NDPC has warned of a sustained and intensifying wave of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks disrupting digital infrastructure. The commission reiterated the importance of the proposed council in addressing such threats and ensuring the resilience of Nigeria's digital ecosystem.
The establishment of the National Cybersecurity Council is seen as a critical step toward safeguarding Nigeria's digital economy, which continues to grow rapidly. Stakeholders from various sectors have expressed optimism that the council will enhance collaboration and create a unified front against cyber threats.
