The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has signed a strategic partnership with global cybersecurity leader Kaspersky to strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem. The agreement, sealed at the sideline of GITEX Nigeria 2025 event, is a major step toward protecting critical national infrastructure, boosting public awareness, and equipping Nigerians with the skills to combat cyber threats.
Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, NITDA’s Director General, emphasised that the partnership will focus on building human capacity, as over 95 per cent of cyberattacks are caused by human error. He stated that the goal is not just a symbolic agreement but a commitment to measurable action.
Key Focus Areas of the Partnership
The new collaboration between NITDA and Kaspersky will focus on the following key areas:
- Training and Capacity Building: Providing Nigerians with the skills needed to defend against cyber threats.
- Public Awareness: Launching campaigns to promote safe digital practices.
- Critical Infrastructure Protection: Securing essential national systems from cyberattacks.
- Threat Intelligence: Sharing data to quickly respond to new cyber threats.
- Policy Support: Helping to create cybersecurity policies that align with the government’s goals.
Chris Norton, General Manager of Kaspersky Africa, praised Nigeria’s digital potential, noting that “Africa doesn’t need charity, it needs skills.” He said that through this partnership, Kaspersky can help accelerate value creation for Nigerian communities and the government.
This collaboration supports the Tinubu administration’s agenda to enhance national security and transform Nigeria into a leading digital innovation hub in Africa. The joint focus on capacity building and threat intelligence is expected to be a turning point for Nigeria’s cybersecurity readiness, protecting the digital economy and empowering local companies in the growing cybersecurity industry.
