The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Nigerians’ rights and privacy in the digital space, saying it has developed multiple policy and regulatory frameworks to strengthen cybersecurity across the country.
Dr. Ayodele Bakare, Assistant Director of the Cybersecurity Department at the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), made this disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.
Bakare explained that cybersecurity governance in Nigeria operates through a collaborative approach involving several government institutions, each responsible for different aspects of national cybersecurity.
He noted that the Office of the National Security Adviser coordinates these efforts through the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre, which serves 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.
He highlighted the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy Framework as one of the key instruments guiding the country’s cybersecurity initiatives.
Bakare also referenced the Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention) Act 2015, recently amended in 2024, as providing a strengthened legal foundation for tackling cyber threat digital crimes.
In addition, Bakare said NITDA has introduced sector-specific regulations, including the National Public Key Infrastructure Regulation, which ensures trust and security in digital communications and transactions.
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He also recalled the agency’s pioneering role in Nigeria’s data protection landscape through the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation 2019, now fully implemented by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission.
Bakare further disclosed that NITDA is finalising an Information Security Regulation that will provide organisations and individuals with clear guidelines on safeguarding information and digital assets.
He noted that Nigeria’s strengthened legal and policy frameworks have contributed to the country’s strong performance on the Global Cybersecurity Index, particularly under the legal measures pillar, which assesses the availability of national cybersecurity laws and regulations.
Bakare emphasised that sustained collaboration among government agencies and stakeholders remains essential to fully implementing existing policies and enhancing Nigeria’s digital security architecture.