The National Information Technology Development Agency says it will host an International Cybersecurity Conference to strengthen Nigeria’s cyber resilience amid growing AI-enabled threats.

NITDA’s director-general, Kashifu Inuwa, said this at a news conference on Wednesday in Abuja.
He said the event would hold from October 27 to 28.

Mr Inuwa said the event would be organised in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser and the Nigerian Communications Commission, among other partners. According to him, it will examine how AI is transforming cyberattacks and defence mechanisms.

According to him, cybercriminals increasingly exploit human vulnerabilities through social engineering rather than attempting to breach technological systems directly.

Mr Inuwa said the conference would focus on protecting individuals against cognitive manipulation, securing technological and social networks, and strengthening national cybersecurity through international cooperation.

The conference, he said, would attract government agencies, private sector organisations, cybersecurity professionals, academia, civil society and international stakeholders to share knowledge and develop practical responses to emerging threats.

The NITDA chief said that strengthening cybersecurity was essential to building public confidence in digital services, including online shopping, banking and other technology-driven transactions.

According to him, organisations must prioritise security when designing and deploying digital infrastructure, rather than reacting after an attack.

Mr Inuwa said the conference would feature 13 keynotes, 16 panel discussions, cybersecurity awards, and a hackathon designed to deepen participants’ practical cybersecurity knowledge. He said about 1,946 participants drawn from secondary schools, tertiary institutions, professional bodies and Ministries, Departments and Agencies were expected to take part in the hackathon.

(NAN)