At the recently concluded Cybersecurity Conference in Abuja, Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, and other prominent stakeholders underscored the critical role of cybersecurity in driving the country’s economic growth. Organized by the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS) PLC and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the event brought together experts from various sectors to explore the evolving cyber threat landscape and the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into cybersecurity efforts.
In his keynote address, themed ‘Cybersecurity: Synergising AI and Infrastructure’, VP Shettima highlighted cybersecurity as a fundamental pillar of economic stability and not merely a technical concern. He emphasized the need to safeguard critical national infrastructure, particularly Nigeria’s financial systems, against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. “Cybersecurity is not just about protecting data, but about ensuring the continuity and stability of the economy,” Shettima said. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to advancing cybersecurity initiatives, particularly in the realm of AI integration, to build resilient systems capable of defending against emerging threats.
Shettima commended the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and his team for fostering a secure digital environment that encourages innovation and investment. He called for more collaboration between the public and private sectors to develop human capital capable of navigating the increasingly complex cyber ecosystem.
During the conference, experts from the military, technology, finance, and government sectors emphasized the need for AI-driven tools and expertise to tackle the rising complexity of cyber threats. National Cybersecurity Coordinator at ONSA, Ahmad Abubakar, addressed the dual-edged nature of AI in enhancing both national security and potential vulnerabilities. “Our reliance on interconnected systems has increased our vulnerability to cyber threats, now amplified by AI,” Abubakar said. He warned that adversaries no longer need deep technical expertise to launch significant attacks and called for proactive strategies to prevent such threats from materializing.
Temi Popoola, Chairman of CSCS Plc’s Board of Directors, reinforced the importance of aligning AI with robust infrastructure. He highlighted the potential disruptions a single cyberattack could cause, particularly in the financial sector. “For institutions like CSCS, safeguarding data is synonymous with preserving trust in the financial system,” Popoola noted. He also revealed that CSCS is investing in advanced technologies such as blockchain and quantum-resistant cryptography to stay ahead of emerging cyber risks.
Haruna Jalo-Waziri, CEO of CSCS Plc, echoed these sentiments, stressing the urgency of implementing effective cybersecurity measures, especially given the financial toll that cybercrime is projected to inflict on the global economy.
The conference provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the future of cybersecurity in Nigeria, with a focus on integrating AI to predict, detect, and neutralize threats while maintaining the resilience of the nation’s critical assets.
