FG Moves to Strengthen Cybersecurity Coordination as NDPC Reviews Data Protection Compliance

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to bolster Nigeria’s cybersecurity architecture, with plans underway to establish a Cybersecurity Coordination Council, even as regulators deepen oversight of data protection compliance across the digital ecosystem. This was disclosed by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, in a recent statement outlining the government’s […]

The Federal Government has intensified efforts to bolster Nigeria’s cybersecurity architecture, with plans underway to establish a Cybersecurity Coordination Council, even as regulators deepen oversight of data protection compliance across the digital ecosystem.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, in a recent statement outlining the government’s commitment to strengthening cyber resilience through collaboration with the private sector and other critical stakeholders.

According to the minister, the proposed council is expected to enhance coordination in responding to evolving cyber threats, while fostering information sharing and joint action between public institutions, businesses, and civil society.

“Cybersecurity is a shared national responsibility. Protecting Nigeria’s digital economy requires strong partnerships, trusted collaboration, and collective vigilance across government, industry, and civil society,” Tijani said.

He added that sustained engagement and collective action would be central to improving Nigeria’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber risks in an increasingly digitised economy.

The move signals a broader policy shift by the Federal Government toward a multi-stakeholder approach in safeguarding digital infrastructure, amid rising concerns over cyberattacks, data breaches, and vulnerabilities within critical systems.

In parallel, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has stepped up its review of ecosystem-wide compliance with data protection regulations, as part of efforts to enforce standards and promote accountability among data controllers and processors.

Industry observers say the dual approach—strengthening cybersecurity coordination while tightening data protection compliance—reflects a more comprehensive strategy to secure Nigeria’s digital space.

Experts note that while technological advancement has accelerated innovation and economic growth, it has also expanded the attack surface for cybercriminals, making coordinated responses and regulatory enforcement increasingly urgent.

The proposed Cybersecurity Coordination Council is expected to serve as a central platform for aligning national cybersecurity priorities, improving incident response mechanisms, and ensuring that both public and private sector actors operate within a unified framework.

Analysts believe that if effectively implemented, the initiative could enhance investor confidence in Nigeria’s digital economy and position the country as a more secure destination for digital services and innovation.

However, they also stress that the success of such reforms will depend on sustained political will, adequate funding, and the ability to build trust among stakeholders tasked with safeguarding the nation’s digital future.