The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, the QNA and other stakeholders have mapped out strategies to tackle the threats posed by cybercrime and cyber-attacks in Nigeria through a national conference.

A 4-day event scheduled to be held in Abuja from July 7 to 10, 2025, with the theme “Building a Resilient Digital Future”, which is the maiden edition, highlights the urgent need for strong cybersecurity measures in a rapidly evolving digital world.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Monday ahead of the National Conference, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, said the conference will bring together policymakers, cybersecurity professionals, international experts, and industry leaders from Nigeria, Africa, and around the globe.

He noted that the conference is motivated by the need to address the serious challenges of the digital age irrespective of the incredible opportunities for innovation and economic growth provided by the cyber space.

The NITDA boss said, “By 2025, global cybercrime damages are projected to reach $10.5 trillion annually, a sharp increase from $3 trillion annually as of 2015.That means within just 10 years; it has increased by almost more than 200 percent.

“In Nigeria, the emergence of sophisticated cyberattacks, often powered by artificial intelligence, highlights the urgent need for robust preventive measures. Focusing on equipping the nation’s youth with skills in technology and digital innovation can harness their talents for positive contribution.”

He noted that programs like 3MTT, iHatch, and incentives for Nigeria’s tech startups are paving the way by offering alternatives to cybercrime for the youth.

“This is fostering creativity and encouraging ethical online behavior. Despite these challenges, Nigeria has a unique opportunity to lead in this space. The country’s digital economy has seen rapid growth, contributing almost 17 percent to our GDP, overtaking the oil and gas sector,” he added.

Inuwa stressed that with increased broadband penetration and high population of Internet users in Nigeria, the country has become a top hub for startups in Africa.

“According to Module Intelligence Report, this digital growth has also boosted Nigeria’s cybersecurity market, valued at over $200 million in 2024 and expected to grow to over $345 million by 2029.This foster growth is projected to reach over 14 percent annually,” he said.

The National Coordinator of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center, Mr. Ahmed Abubakar told the news conference the planned conference is based on public-private partnership, which is key in handling Nigeria’s cybersecurity posture to build resilience, stressing “ we must work together to make sure that the cyber space is secured. So, all those energies that we have in providing these services, we should channel it into securing our cyberspace”.

The Managing Director of QNA, Ankit Shakla, said the conference would involve technical workshops and participation of international exhibitors who will showcase their innovations in cybersecurity, AI, fintech, and other technologies to the world.

He said, “This is Nigeria’s moment to lead and secure the region’s digital transformation and also to show to the world how advanced things are moving here from the numbers which we have already heard today. We invite technology pioneers and investors from around the world to join us and make a very successful National Cybersecurity Conference 2025.”

The President of the Cybersecurity Expert Association of Nigeria, Ade Soyinka in his remarks noted that as Nigeria’s digital landscape is evolving rapidly, the threat the nation faces is becoming more sophisticated and relentless.

Represented by Hanniel Jafaru, Soyinka pointed out that it is against this backdrop that the National Cybersecurity Conference emerges as not just timely but quite necessary. He added the association has consistently been at the forefront of promoting cybersecurity awareness, advocacy, capacity building, and professional development in Nigeria.