…Values Nigeria’s cybersecurity market at $207.80m with projections to reach $345.43 million by 2029

…Predicts sector will grow by 20% in job opportunities

By Emmanuel Elebeke

Abuja: In a major step toward strengthening regional digital security, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), QNA, and various public and private sector partners, has announced the National Cybersecurity Conference 2025, set to take place from July 7th to 10th at the Abuja Continental Hotel, Abuja, Nigeria.

Themed “Building a Resilient Digital Future – Nigeria’s Moment to Lead,” the conference will serve as a strategic gathering of national and international cybersecurity stakeholders, including policymakers, professionals, industry leaders, and global experts, to chart a course toward a safer and more secure digital ecosystem.

Speaking ahead of the conference, the Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, emphasized the urgency of strengthening cybersecurity frameworks in Nigeria and across Africa.

He noted that while the digital revolution has unlocked immense economic potential, it has also introduced unprecedented cyber threats.

He said the conference became imperative because by 2025, global cybercrime damages are projected to reach $10.5 trillion annually, up from $3 trillion in 2015, saying that the rise of complex, AI-driven cyber attacks demands immediate and sustained action in Nigeria.

Despite these threats, Inuwa affirmed that Nigeria is emerging as a continental tech powerhouse. “In 2024, the country’s digital economy contributed 17.68% to GDP, surpassing the oil and gas sector, adding that with 5G expansion, 134 million broadband users, and a 44.4% penetration rate, Nigeria now leads Africa in startup growth and digital innovation.

He quoted a February 2025 report by Nucamp which predicted that Nigeria’s cybersecurity sector will grow by 20% in job opportunities this year alone, with entry-level salaries between ₦4 million and ₦6 million annually.

According to Mordor Intelligence, Nigeria’s cybersecurity market is currently valued at $207.80 million, with projections to reach $345.43 million by 2029, growing at a rate of 14.6% annually.

“Nigeria’s greatest asset is its youth—over 60% of the population is under 25, with 90% internet penetration among those aged 15-24. Yet Africa faces a 23% cybersecurity workforce shortage, leaving 68,000 roles unfilled.”

In his remarks, the President of the Cybersecurity Expert Association of Nigeria (CSEAN), Mr. Ade Soyinka, called for a coordinated and unified national response to the growing cybersecurity threats facing Nigeria.

Mr. Soyinka emphasized the urgent need to bridge the gap between policy and practice in securing the nation’s digital space.

“CSEAN, a leading organization committed to cybersecurity awareness, advocacy, capacity building, and professional development, reaffirmed its dedication to fostering a secure digital environment for all Nigerians.

“In a time where our digital landscape is evolving rapidly, the threats we face as a nation are becoming more sophisticated and relentless,” Mr. Soyinka stated.

“This conference is not just timely, it is a strategic necessity. It creates a platform where stakeholders across government, private sector, academia, civil society, and international partners can come together to tackle Nigeria’s cybersecurity challenges collaboratively.”

the National Coordinator of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCCC), Mr. Ahmed Abubakar, emphasized the critical role of public-private partnerships in safeguarding Nigeria’s digital future. His remarks highlighted the growing importance of collaboration across sectors as both society and cybercriminals increasingly migrate to digital platforms.

“As we move our services and our lives into digital environments—90% of which are owned and operated by the private sector—we must also move hand in hand with our partners to secure these spaces,” Mr. Abubakar stated. “This is not just about partnerships; it’s about building public-private relationships that foster shared responsibility.”

Mr. Abubakar stressed that the recent designation of Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) in Nigeria marked a major step forward, but also revealed a key challenge: most of this infrastructure lies outside direct government control.

“Government cannot do it alone. With the bulk of our critical infrastructure in the private sector, collaboration is not optional—it is essential,” he said.

He further noted that cybersecurity is not merely a technological issue, but rather a balanced combination of technology and processes, where human behavior and organizational readiness play as much a role as technical solutions.

“Cybersecurity and cybercrime are separated by a very thin line,” Mr. Abubakar warned. “This is why events like this conference are vital—to bring experts together, generate real conversations, and develop actionable plans that will strengthen our national resilience.”

The Coordinator also raised concern over the widespread exposure of citizens to cyber threats, including cyberbullying and sextortion, emphasizing that the digital space now holds critical data and personal information from birth to adulthood.

“Our children, our elders—none of us are fully protected unless we act,” he added. “We must channel the same energy we use in providing digital services into securing the cyberspace.”

In his own remarks, the Managing Director of QNA, a leading global technology and strategy firm, Ankit Shakla said the company’s role is to serve as a strategic partner for the upcoming National Cybersecurity Conference 2025 (NCSC 2025).

He said Cybersecurity is not a destination it’s a journey, and it cannot be travelled in isolation.

“We must collaborate, educate, and share knowledge for the safety and security of our society. That’s what NCSC 2025 is about collective action, global partnerships, and regional leadership,” said Shakla.

NCSC 2025, according  to him will bring together over 1,000 C-level executives, international experts, technology pioneers, investors, policymakers, academia, and startups from Nigeria, across Africa, and around the globe and will serve as a dynamic platform to engage with Nigeria’s rapidly growing digital economy.

Organized by the National Information and Digital Technology Agency (NIDTA), hosted by the Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, and co-hosted by the Office of the National Security Advisor, the four-day conference is set to become Nigeria’s premier cybersecurity event

The conference will feature: workshops and panel discussions on emerging threats; Training programs and policy roundtables; a Cybersecurity Hackathon to discover and empower talent from universities, startups, and the workforce.