Manny Ita –
The Federal Government is considering the establishment of a National Cybersecurity Council as part of renewed efforts to combat the growing wave of cyber threats targeting Nigeria’s digital space.
Sources within the administration indicate that the proposed council is expected to serve as a central coordinating body, bringing together key stakeholders across government institutions, security agencies, and the private sector to strengthen the country’s cybersecurity architecture.
The move comes amid increasing concerns over cybercrime, data breaches, and attacks on critical national infrastructure, including financial systems and government databases. Experts in Cybersecurity have repeatedly warned that Nigeria’s expanding digital economy makes it more vulnerable to sophisticated cyber threats if proactive measures are not taken.
The proposed council would likely work closely with agencies such as the National Information Technology Development Agency and the Office of the National Security Adviser to develop policies, coordinate incident response, and improve intelligence sharing on cyber threats.
Officials say the initiative is also aimed at aligning Nigeria with global best practices, as several countries have adopted similar centralized frameworks to manage cybersecurity risks. The council is expected to focus on areas such as cyber threat intelligence, capacity building, regulatory enforcement, and public awareness on safe digital practices.
In addition, there are indications that the government may introduce stricter compliance requirements for organizations handling sensitive data, particularly in sectors such as banking, telecommunications, and energy.
While the proposal is still under consideration, stakeholders have welcomed the move, noting that a unified national strategy is critical to safeguarding Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and maintaining trust in its rapidly growing online economy.
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting citizens and businesses from cyber threats, stressing that strengthening cybersecurity remains a key priority in the country’s broader digital transformation agenda.
