By Ayo Onikoyi

As one of the leading figures in the field of cybersecurity, Damilola Victor Akinola has highlighted the urgent need for strengthening Nigeria’s national infrastructure security. Speaking at a recent industry event where experts gathered to brainstorm on the way forward for Nigeria in cyber security space, Akinola emphasized the critical role that cybersecurity must play in securing vital sectors like energy, manufacturing, and telecommunications. “Nigeria’s reliance on industrial control systems (ICS) and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) networks is growing. We must fortify these systems to prevent devastating attacks that could disrupt the nation’s economy and its people’s daily lives,” Akinola noted.

Akinola has consistently championed the use of advanced technologies to safeguard critical infrastructure. With over a decade of experience in ICS and SCADA security, he has been at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge solutions such as machine learning and data analytics to enhance real-time threat detection capabilities. “Leveraging machine learning has enabled us to reduce successful cyberattacks by 20%. This technology empowers us to be proactive rather than reactive, allowing us to detect and neutralize threats before they escalate,” he explained.

Nigeria’s energy sector, a key pillar of its economy, has been particularly vulnerable to cyber threats. Akinola shared his experience from previous roles in energy cybersecurity, where he played a crucial part in reducing the attack surface of operational technology (OT) systems by 50%. He explained that the complexity and interconnectivity of these systems make them attractive targets for hackers. “The energy sector is the backbone of any economy, and Nigeria is no exception. A cyberattack on our power grids or oil refineries could cripple the entire nation. Through network segmentation and advanced threat detection tools, we’ve been able to create multiple layers of defense, significantly reducing vulnerabilities,” Akinola remarked.

Addressing the wider implications for Nigeria, Akinola stressed the importance of adopting international cybersecurity standards, such as the IEC 62443 framework, which he has successfully implemented in his work across various sectors. “Compliance with global cybersecurity standards is non-negotiable if we are serious about protecting our infrastructure. These frameworks provide a roadmap for securing not just our technology but also our people, processes, and policies,” he said, urging Nigerian policymakers to prioritize such frameworks in the country’s evolving digital economy.

One of the major challenges Nigeria faces, according to Akinola, is the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. “There is a significant skills gap in the cybersecurity field in Nigeria. To tackle the growing threat landscape, we need to invest in education and training for our workforce. The government, private sector, and educational institutions must collaborate to ensure we are developing a pipeline of talent capable of defending our critical systems,” Akinola advised. He also highlighted the role of certifications such as CEH and CompTIA Security+, which he believes are essential for cybersecurity practitioners to stay ahead of evolving threats.

Beyond technical skills, Akinola emphasized the importance of awareness and training at all levels of organizations. Drawing from his experience developing cybersecurity awareness programs, he noted, “Cybersecurity isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a human issue. Many cyber incidents are caused by human error, such as falling for phishing scams. A robust cybersecurity program must include regular training to educate employees on how to recognize and respond to threats. This approach has reduced phishing attempts in some cases by 75%.”

Akinola also touched on the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors to build a more resilient cybersecurity framework. He praised recent initiatives by the Nigerian government to address cybersecurity but cautioned that more needs to be done. “Public-private partnerships are critical in cybersecurity. The government alone cannot address these challenges, and neither can the private sector. We need joint efforts to share information, tools, and strategies that can protect our national infrastructure from both local and international threats,” he added.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s readiness for the future, Akinola pointed to the need for continuous investment in cybersecurity technologies. “We are moving towards a more connected world with the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G technologies. This increases the number of attack vectors that bad actors can exploit. Therefore, our investment in cybersecurity must be constant and forward-thinking,” he warned.

Akinola’s insights extended to the telecommunications sector, where he believes Nigeria faces significant cyber risks due to the growing reliance on digital communication networks. “Telecommunications infrastructure is critical for national security, economic growth, and social well-being. A cyberattack on our networks could have devastating consequences, from disrupting financial services to compromising sensitive government data. It is imperative that we fortify this sector with advanced encryption, threat detection, and rapid incident response systems,” he explained.

In his closing remarks, he reiterated the importance of building a culture of cybersecurity within organizations. “Cybersecurity cannot be the sole responsibility of the IT department. It must be embedded in the very DNA of an organization, from the boardroom to the mailroom. When everyone understands their role in securing the organization, we can collectively reduce risk and safeguard our assets.”

He also expressed optimism about Nigeria’s ability to rise to the challenges ahead. “Nigeria has the potential to be a leader in cybersecurity within Africa, but we must take proactive steps now. By investing in technology, training, and strategic partnerships, we can create a secure digital environment that fosters innovation and growth.”

Akinola’s remarks come at a critical time, as Nigeria continues to face an increasingly complex cybersecurity landscape. His message was clear: the time to act is now. “Cyber threats are not going away—they’re evolving. We need to stay ahead of the curve by constantly adapting our strategies and technologies. Our future depends on it,” he concluded.