By Elizabeth Osayande

As Nigeria continues its journey toward a fully digitised economy, the importance of a robust cybersecurity framework cannot be overstated. A prominent cybersecurity expert based in the United States, Olanrewaju Ogundojutimi, emphasises the urgent need for Nigeria to adopt a coordinated cybersecurity strategy that reflects both international best practices and local realities. His insights are vital to understanding how Nigeria can enhance its cyber resilience and secure its digital future.

Mr Ogundojutimi advocates for creating adaptive governance structures that integrate local contexts with global cybersecurity trends. He highlights the significance of building a resilient cyber ecosystem, one that incorporates comprehensive education, training, and public-private partnerships. By establishing a Nigerian Cybersecurity Operations and Intelligence Centre, NCOIC, he envisions a centralised entity that would facilitate knowledge sharing and proactive monitoring of emerging threats.

Excerpts of his knowledge

The Evolving Threat Landscape in Nigeria

Cybersecurity is no longer a concern limited to IT departments. It is a critical pillar of national security and economic sustainability. Nigeria, like many emerging digital economies, faces an expanding array of cyber threats. Phishing schemes, insider threats, distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, and cyber espionage have targeted not only banks and telecommunications companies but also government agencies, critical infrastructure, and public databases.

The consequences of such attacks are far-reaching. They affect trust in digital systems, disrupt service delivery, erode public confidence, and drive up the cost of digital operations. For a country poised to lead in Africa’s digital economy, these vulnerabilities represent significant setbacks. A strategic and future-ready cybersecurity framework is the only path forward.

The Global Cybersecurity Playbook

Nations such as the United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom have built sophisticated cybersecurity ecosystems through public-private partnerships, investment in cyber education, and the establishment of national cyber defence centres. In the U.S., organizations like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) serve as cornerstones for cyber policy, industry guidance, and cross-sector collaboration.

Nigeria has the potential to localize these frameworks to suit its national needs. Establishing a Nigerian Cybersecurity Operations and Intelligence Center (NCOIC) could centralize efforts, monitor emerging threats, and facilitate knowledge sharing between ministries, private corporations, academia, and international partners.

Mr. Olanrewaju Ogundojutimi’s Contribution to the Field

At the forefront of this dialogue is Ogundojutimi, whose influence continues to rise as a respected figure in the global cybersecurity community. Based in the United States, Mr. Ogundojutimi has authored numerous articles addressing critical cybersecurity issues including incident response planning, digital sovereignty, supply chain vulnerabilities, and the future of cyber workforce development.

His thought leadership, frequently shared through platforms such as LinkedIn, international cybersecurity forums, and specialized publications, reflects a deep understanding of the interplay between technology, governance, and societal resilience. What makes his contribution particularly valuable to Nigeria is his ability to bridge the gap between U.S. cybersecurity best practices and the realities facing African nations.
Mr. Ogundojutimi has consistently advocated for adaptive cybersecurity governance models that integrate local context with global expertise. His work highlights the importance of designing strategies that are proactive, scalable, and inclusive, enabling governments and organizations to stay ahead of rapidly evolving threats.

Toward a Resilient Nigerian Cybersecurity Ecosystem

To build national cyber resilience, Nigeria must prioritize cybersecurity education and capacity development. Introducing cybersecurity modules at all levels of academic training, from secondary school to university, will help cultivate a pipeline of local experts. In parallel, ongoing professional development for IT and governance professionals must be encouraged to stay updated with threat intelligence and compliance standards.

Mr Ogundojutimi and others have proposed scalable training programs and cybersecurity boot camps to equip both public and private sector professionals with essential skills. These programs can be developed in collaboration with diaspora experts and implemented through public-private-academic partnerships.
Moreover, Nigeria must modernize its legal and regulatory frameworks. Cybercrime laws must be strengthened and harmonized with regional and international standards. Data protection agencies should be equipped with the tools and authority to investigate breaches and enforce penalties. Additionally, national investments in threat intelligence platforms and secure infrastructure will enable timely detection and mitigation of cyber incidents.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s digital transformation is not without its risks, but it is a path worth securing. By embracing international best practices and harnessing the expertise of leading professionals like Mr Olanrewaju Ogundojutimi, Nigeria can build a cybersecurity ecosystem that is not only defensive but also forward-looking. The future of Nigeria’s digital economy depends on decisions made today to strengthen cyber governance, invest in talent, and develop resilient infrastructure. In this evolving digital landscape, cybersecurity is not a luxury, it is a necessity, and Nigeria must act with vision and urgency.