Senator calls for multi-stakeholders collaboration to strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity
The chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Shuaibu Salisu, has called for stronger collaboration between government agencies, civil society organisations, and the private sector to bolster Nigeria’s digital resilience.
Speaking at the 2025 National Cybersecurity Conference held in Abuja on Wednesday, Salisu stressed that digitising government operations not only enhances efficiency and reduces corruption but also provides essential data to support the development of the nation’s Artificial Intelligence, AI framework.
He disclosed that the Senate Committee will hold an interactive session next week with civil society organisations, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC, to address concerns surrounding the proposed amendments to the Cybercrime Act.
Salisu also called for compulsory digital literacy training for newly elected lawmakers, arguing that understanding emerging technologies is vital for informed and effective legislation.
“On Cybersecurity-Resilient Procurement government agencies must ensure that all digital solutions procured meet stringent cybersecurity standards to safeguard national security while promoting economic growth.
“As the first IT professional to chair the Senate Committee on ICT & Cybersecurity, I also call for mandatory digital literacy training for newly elected lawmakers because understanding emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing is essential for effective legislation,” he stated.
While reaffirming support for freedom of expression, the Senator urged tech companies and digital publishers to work with regulators to prevent the misuse of online platforms for malicious purposes, stressing the need to strike a balance between innovation and national security.
Delivering his remarks as the Special Guest of Honour, Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, encouraged global tech giants to invest in the country’s secure and expanding digital ecosystem.
Ribadu highlighted the bold policy strides and strategic advancements achieved in recent years and commended agencies such as the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, the National Identity Management Commission, NIMC, the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, for their pivotal roles in safeguarding Nigeria’s digital identity, online safety, and telecommunications landscape.
Senator calls for multi-stakeholders collaboration to strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity
