The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has warned that fragmented cybersecurity defences across government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) are exposing Nigeria to increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks. The agency called for an urgent, unified approach to protect the nation's digital infrastructure.
NITDA Highlights Critical Vulnerabilities
Speaking at a cybersecurity stakeholders' forum in Abuja, NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi stated that the current siloed approach creates exploitable gaps. "Each MDA operates its own security protocols, often with different standards and tools. This fragmentation makes our collective defence weaker than the sum of its parts," he said. Abdullahi noted that attackers target these inconsistencies, moving from weaker systems to stronger ones within the government network.
The warning comes amid a surge in cyber incidents targeting Nigerian government systems. According to NITDA's 2025 Cybersecurity Report, the country witnessed a 47% increase in cyber attacks on government platforms compared to the previous year, with financial losses estimated at over ₦2.5 billion.
Call for Unified Cybersecurity Framework
NITDA proposed the establishment of a centralized cybersecurity operations centre (CSOC) to coordinate threat detection and response across all MDAs. The agency also recommended mandatory adoption of the Nigeria Cybersecurity Framework (NCSF) and regular security audits. Abdullahi emphasized that a unified approach would reduce response times and improve intelligence sharing.
"We cannot afford to have each agency fighting its own battle. Cyber threats are borderless and collaborative. Our defence must be equally coordinated," he added. NITDA also announced plans to train 5,000 cybersecurity professionals across government agencies by 2027 to address the skills gap.
Private Sector and Critical Infrastructure at Risk
The warning extends beyond government systems. NITDA noted that fragmented defences also affect critical infrastructure sectors like banking, telecommunications, and energy, which rely on government interfaces. A breach in one agency could cascade into private networks. The agency urged public-private partnerships to share threat intelligence and best practices.
Stakeholders at the forum supported the call for harmonization. Dr. Aisha Bello, a cybersecurity expert and consultant, said: "The lack of a unified command structure is a ticking time bomb. We need a national cybersecurity strategy that is enforced across all tiers of government."
Immediate Steps and Long-Term Goals
NITDA outlined immediate steps including a 90-day vulnerability assessment of all government digital assets and the creation of a rapid response team. Long-term goals include establishing a National Cybersecurity Fund to finance defensive technologies and capacity building. The agency also called for stricter compliance with the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
Abdullahi concluded: "Cybersecurity is not a luxury; it is a necessity for national security and economic prosperity. We must act now before a major incident forces our hand."
