The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians’ rights and privacy in the digital space by strengthening cybersecurity measures.
This was disclosed by Ayodele Bakare, Assistant Director of the Cybersecurity Department at the National Information Technology Development Agency, during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Monday.
Bakare explained that cybersecurity governance in Nigeria is carried out through collaboration among several government institutions, each responsible for different aspects of the national cybersecurity framework.
He said the Office of the National Security Adviser provides overall coordination of the country’s cybersecurity initiatives through the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre, which functions as its operational arm.
“At the national level, cybersecurity implementation is done collectively, and different government organisations are responsible for implementing different aspects of the national cybersecurity framework.
“At the top, however, the Office of the National Security Adviser coordinates these efforts through the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre,” he said.
Bakare noted that the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy Framework is one of the major policy instruments guiding Nigeria’s cybersecurity initiatives.
He also pointed to the legal backing provided by the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Act 2015, which was amended in 2024 to strengthen the country’s ability to tackle cyber threats and digital crimes.
According to him, National Information Technology Development Agency has also introduced specific regulations aimed at improving cybersecurity across different sectors.
“One of such regulations is the National Public Key Infrastructure Regulation, which is one of the core infrastructures required to ensure trust and security in digital communications and transactions,” he said.
Bakare added that the agency played an early role in Nigeria’s data protection system through the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019, which laid the foundation for the current data protection structure.
He said the regulation has since developed into a comprehensive legal framework now implemented by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission.
Bakare further revealed that the agency is currently concluding work on a new Information Security Regulation that will soon be released to the public.
He explained that the regulation would outline clear responsibilities for organisations and individuals in protecting information and digital assets.
“Nigeria has continued to strengthen its legal and policy environment for cybersecurity, a development reflected in the country’s performance in the Global Cybersecurity Index.
“One of the pillars of the index focuses on legal measures and assesses the availability of national cybersecurity laws and regulations.
“Nigeria recorded a strong performance under the legal measures pillar, reflecting the country’s efforts to establish the necessary frameworks to support cybersecurity governance,” he said.
Bakare emphasised that continued cooperation among government institutions and other stakeholders remains crucial for the effective implementation of these policies and for strengthening Nigeria’s digital security framework.
