Cybersecurity expert Hanniel Jafaru has called on Nigeria to develop homegrown cybersecurity tools to strengthen its defences against cybercriminals, urging government institutions and private-sector organisations to work together towards a more coordinated approach to managing the country’s digital space.
Jafaru made the appeal during an appearance on the Nigerian Television Authority’s (NTA) breakfast programme, Good Morning Nigeria, where he stressed the importance of building indigenous technological capacity to address the country’s evolving cybersecurity challenges.
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He also called for a unified framework involving both public and private institutions, noting that effective cyberspace management requires cooperation, shared responsibility and a coordinated national response to digital threats.
His recommendation comes as Nigeria continues to expand its digital economy, with increasing reliance on online financial services, digital infrastructure, electronic communications and technology-driven public services creating additional cybersecurity concerns.
Developing locally produced security tools could give Nigeria greater control over its digital infrastructure while encouraging solutions tailored to the country’s technological environment, institutional needs and emerging threat patterns.
Such an approach could also support local innovation, strengthen the domestic technology industry and reduce dependence on externally developed security solutions.
The call for stronger collaboration reflects ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to improve the country’s cybersecurity architecture.
In April 2026, the Federal Government inaugurated the National Ministerial Advisory Council to coordinate cybersecurity mitigation efforts across critical sectors.
The initiative brought together government institutions, private-sector representatives and academic stakeholders to improve information sharing and strengthen responses to cyber incidents.
At the inauguration, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, emphasised the importance of collective action, stating: “We are only as strong as our weakest link and collaboration and information sharing between government and the private sector are critical.”
The government has also pursued broader coordination mechanisms involving institutions such as the National Information Technology Development Agency, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission and Galaxy Backbone Limited.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT) continues to play a role in preparing for, identifying and responding to cybersecurity incidents, with the objective of maintaining a safe and resilient national cyberspace.
Jafaru’s intervention adds to the growing conversation about digital sovereignty and the need for Nigeria to move beyond consuming technology towards developing solutions that address its own security priorities.
As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated, strengthening indigenous innovation, developing skilled cybersecurity professionals and improving institutional cooperation will remain important to protecting citizens, businesses and critical national infrastructure.
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Ultimately, a resilient digital economy will depend not only on the technologies Nigeria adopts but also on its capacity to develop, manage and secure them independently.
