A UK-based cybersecurity expert, Dare Ogunbayeje, has proffered a workable cybersecurity growth roadmap for Nigeria.

Mr Ogunbayeje made the call in an interview on Thursday in Lagos.

The expert noted that with the rapid expansion of Nigeria’s digital economy from fintech to e-commerce and digital governance, its cybersecurity maturity is not keeping pace.

According to him, to strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity ecosystem, a multi-stakeholder approach is needed across policy, infrastructure, and people.

“We need to implement and regularly review existing frameworks such as the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation and the National Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy.

“Nigeria must enforce measurable compliance, especially in critical sectors such as finance, telecommunications, and healthcare. As a country, we also need to operationalise the National Cybersecurity Architecture by establishing a fully functional national Computer Security Incident Response Team with regional nodes,” he said.

Mr Ogunbayeje also reiterated that cybersecurity should be viewed as an economic enabler, not just a technical safeguard.

“Secure systems build trust, attract investment, and unlock new revenue opportunities,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of Nigeria treating cybersecurity not just as a defence mechanism but as a strategic industry.

“Nigeria’s youth population is a tremendous asset. With the right programmes, the country can nurture a generation of cybersecurity professionals who will protect national infrastructure and drive innovation.

“We can achieve this via early exposure and talent discovery in cybersecurity for the youth by organising national cybersecurity competitions. We can groom young cybersecurity experts through apprenticeships and boot camps through a partnership with industry to offer structured internships.

“To boost cybersecurity awareness, we must embed practical cybersecurity modules in tertiary institutions,” Mr Ogunbayeje said.

He urged all stakeholders in the tech space to collaborate and take decisive actions to boost the growth of Nigeria’s cybersecurity sector.

“Nigeria stands at a defining moment in its digital transformation journey. By embedding cybersecurity into national policy, education, and business practice, the country cannot only protect its digital assets but also create jobs, attract investment, and build a globally competitive technology ecosystem. Cybersecurity is not just a technical necessity, but it is the foundation for a trusted, innovative, and prosperous digital Nigeria,” he said.

(NAN)