The Director General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, has called for a paradigm shift in how cybersecurity is approached, warning that the era of treating it solely as an IT issue is over.
Speaking at the GITEX Africa 2026, Inuwa emphasized that the rapid rise of artificial intelligence has transformed the threat landscape, making cyberattacks more sophisticated, evasive, and damaging. He noted that Nigeria must now embrace a strategy of “Total Resilience”—a comprehensive approach that integrates technology, human capacity, policy, and proactive defense mechanisms.
During a panel session on Cyber Resilience, Inuwa described the global digital ecosystem as being at a “critical turning point.” According to him, emerging technologies are not only revolutionizing industries but also redefining cyber threats, requiring governments, institutions, and individuals to adopt a more holistic and forward-thinking response.
“Cybersecurity is no longer just a technical issue; it is a strategic imperative for national development,” he stated, stressing the need to build resilience through people, processes, regulation, and infrastructure not technology alone.
Highlighting a major vulnerability in cybersecurity systems, Inuwa revealed that approximately 95 percent of digital breaches are caused by human error. He warned that even the most advanced technologies cannot provide adequate protection if users lack the necessary awareness and discipline.
To address this, NITDA is prioritizing human capacity development and digital literacy, with the goal of transforming citizens into a “human firewall”the first line of defense against increasingly AI-driven cyber threats.
As part of this effort, the Federal Government has launched a National Digital Literacy Programme aimed at achieving 95 percent digital literacy by 2030, with an interim target of 70 percent by 2027. The initiative focuses on promoting digital safety, responsible online behavior, and cybersecurity awareness across the population.
Inuwa also highlighted the “3 Million Tech Talent” programme, designed to equip Nigerians with critical skills in cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and data science. The initiative incorporates hackathons, innovation challenges, and mentorship programmes to channel youth potential into productive and globally competitive ventures.
He emphasized that investing in local talent is not only vital for national security but also for economic growth, noting that Nigeria must position its young population as creators and innovators rather than mere consumers of technology.
Addressing Nigeria’s position in global cybercrime rankings, Inuwa urged a more balanced perspective, explaining that countries with highly developed digital economies often record higher cybercrime rates due to increased online activity. He reiterated that Nigeria’s focus is on redirecting talent toward innovation and solutions that enhance digital security.
On the regulatory front, the government continues to review the Cybercrime Act of 2015 to ensure it remains relevant in the face of evolving threats. This effort supports a coordinated National Cybersecurity Architecture led by the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Nigeria has also established a 24-hour cybersecurity operations centre responsible for monitoring threats, issuing advisories, and providing real-time support to stakeholders. Advanced tools such as AI-driven threat detection systems and dark web monitoring are being deployed to strengthen national response capabilities.
Inuwa concluded by stressing the importance of collaboration, noting that effective cyber resilience requires strong partnerships between the public and private sectors.
“Cyber resilience is a shared responsibility. By aligning people, technology, and regulation, we can build a secure and globally competitive digital economy,” he said.
As Nigeria advances toward a digital-first future, initiatives such as the National Digital Literacy Programme, the 3 Million Tech Talent programme, and strengthened regulatory frameworks demonstrate a firm commitment to transforming cybersecurity challenges into opportunities for innovation, growth, and national development.
