The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding Nigerians’ privacy and digital rights through the development of policies and regulatory frameworks aimed at strengthening cybersecurity nationwide.

Dr Ayodele Bakare, Assistant Director in the Cybersecurity Department of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), made this known on Monday, March 16, 2026.

According to him, he said the agency has developed several sector-focused regulations intended to enhance cybersecurity standards across different segments of the economy.

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, programs, and data from digital attacks, theft, or damage. It aims to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information in an increasingly connected world, covering everything from personal devices to critical infrastructure.

Among these is the National Public Key Infrastructure Regulation, which provides a secure framework for electronic authentication and digital transactions, thereby helping to build trust in online communications and services.

Dr Bakare explained that Nigeria’s cybersecurity system operates through a coordinated structure involving several government institutions, with each assigned specific responsibilities to strengthen the digital space within the country’s broader cybersecurity framework.

He mentioned that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) oversees the coordination of national cybersecurity initiatives through the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre, which functions as the operational hub for implementing the country’s cyber defence strategy.

“At the national level, cybersecurity implementation is done collectively, and different government organisations are responsible for implementing different aspects of the national cybersecurity framework,” he said.

He noted that Nigeria’s cybersecurity architecture is guided by key policy documents, particularly the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy, which outlines the country’s approach to protecting critical digital infrastructure and information systems.

Dr Bakare also drew attention to the legal foundation supporting Nigeria’s cybersecurity efforts, citing the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention) Act, which was first enacted in 2015 and later amended in 2024 to strengthen the country’s response to cybercrime and other emerging digital threats.

He further explained that NITDA laid the groundwork for Nigeria’s data protection regime when it introduced the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation in 2019. He added that the regulation has since evolved into a more comprehensive legal framework that is currently being implemented by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission.

According to him, the agency is currently working on an additional information security regulation that is in its final stage of development and will soon be released to the public.

He said the proposed regulation is expected to provide clearer guidance for organisations and individuals on how to properly manage sensitive information and protect digital assets from potential threats.

Dr. Bakare added that Nigeria’s progress in developing its cybersecurity legal and policy framework has received international recognition. He also pointed out that the country recorded a strong performance under the legal measures component of the Global Cybersecurity Index.

He stressed that continued cooperation between government institutions, private sector organisations, and other relevant stakeholders remains crucial to ensuring the effective implementation of cybersecurity policies and strengthening Nigeria’s overall digital security system.

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is Nigeria’s apex IT regulatory body established by the 2007 NITDA Act to develop, regulate, and advise on Information Technology practices across the country. Operating under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, it handles IT policy implementation and standards formulation and serves as a clearinghouse for government IT projects.

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