The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s digital landscape by signalling its intention to collaborate closely with the private sector and other key stakeholders in establishing a Cybersecurity Coordination Council.
The initiative, announced by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s collective cyber resilience and ensure coordinated responses to the evolving spectrum of cyber threats affecting both public institutions and private enterprises.
Dr. Tijani highlighted the collaborative nature of the effort:
“Cybersecurity is a shared national responsibility. Protecting Nigeria’s digital economy requires strong partnerships, trusted collaboration, and collective vigilance across government, industry, and civil society. Through collaborative action and sustained engagement, we are strengthening Nigeria’s capacity to detect threats early, respond effectively, and build a resilient and trusted digital ecosystem.”
The minister further emphasized that the council will provide a multi-stakeholder platform involving cybersecurity professionals, regulatory agencies, technology companies, and law enforcement.
This platform is envisioned to harmonise policy enforcement and operational responses, creating a sustainable, partnership-led cybersecurity model capable of deterring cybercriminal activity while safeguarding citizens, businesses, and national digital infrastructure.
Strategic Partnerships and Regulatory Integration
This initiative forms part of a broader policy agenda that encourages cross-sector participation. Stakeholders are expected to help shape a national cybersecurity framework that integrates sectoral oversight, threat intelligence sharing, and incident response protocols.
Among key collaborators are the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), which recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the NDPC to enhance data protection compliance in the telecommunications sector, and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which has directed financial institutions to conduct comprehensive cybersecurity self-assessments.
Such cross-agency coordination underscores the FG’s recognition that cybersecurity is inseparable from data protection, especially in a digital economy increasingly reliant on fintech, mobile payments, e-commerce, and AI-driven platforms.
NDPC Intensifies Data Protection Compliance Reviews
In tandem with these cybersecurity measures, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), has confirmed ongoing investigations into the data protection ecosystem in line with its statutory mandate under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023 (NDP Act).
Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement & Regulations, stated that the Commission is probing alleged data breaches involving Remita Payment Services Ltd., Sterling Bank, and other entities:
“In line with the Commission’s procedure, Notice of Investigation was duly served on the 1st of April, 2026. Relevant parties and individuals have been providing information for the purpose of addressing the incident.”
The NDPC’s investigations focus on multiple dimensions of compliance and risk, including:
- Types of personal data involved in the alleged breaches
- Scope and nature of the breaches
- Potential risk to data subjects
- Mitigation and corrective measures implemented by affected organisations
Mr. Bamigboye emphasized that the investigations are intended to ensure that all digital payment platforms employ appropriate technical and organisational measures, as mandated under the NDP Act. The NDPC’s National Commissioner and CEO, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, has underscored that organisations failing to implement these safeguards will be examined as part of a broader effort to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s digital economy.
Implications for Nigeria’s Digital Ecosystem
The dual initiatives of establishing a Cybersecurity Coordination Council and the NDPC’s enforcement actions represent a coordinated approach to digital governance.
By strengthening both cybersecurity resilience and data protection compliance, Nigeria aims to:
- Reduce vulnerability to cyber threats and financial cybercrime
- Build public trust in digital services and fintech solutions
- Ensure regulatory alignment and cross-sector accountability
- Promote a culture of shared responsibility and proactive risk management
With the growing prevalence of cyber attacks and digital fraud, these moves are a clear signal that public-private collaboration, regulatory vigilance, and compliance enforcement are now central to national digital policy.
This integrated approach positions Nigeria to not only respond effectively to immediate cyber threats but also to create a trusted, resilient, and accountable digital ecosystem in line with international best practices.
