The director-general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mallam Kashifu Abdullahi has revealed that Nigeria is targeting 95 per cent digital literacy by 2030, stressing that digitalisation is transforming economies and governance.
He made this known at a national cybersecurity conference titled *”Building a Resilient Digital Future”* in Abuja, hosted by the Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy and the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), organized by NITDA and supported by Galaxy Backbone (GBB), Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS), National Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and Cisco.
According to him, the theme of this year’s conference reflects the global context, which includes both opportunities and risks. Across the globe, digital transformation is reshaping economies, redefining governance, and reinventing how we live and work. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, quantum computing and autonomous systems are no longer futuristic concepts; they are active drivers of change in every region of the world.
To achieve the 2030 target, Nigeria has initiated a 3 Million Tech Talent Programme to accelerate local expertise and build national digital capacity.
Abdullahi highlighted Nigeria’s strategic roadmap for cybersecurity and emphasised the need for collaboration, education and investment to build a resilient digital future.
He noted that the conference objectives include strengthening resilience, building a robust technology research ecosystem, enhancing critical infrastructure protection, facilitating global partnerships, promoting education and skills development, encouraging investment, and recognising excellence in cybersecurity.
He added that Nigeria’s strategic roadmap is anchored on eight pillars, including digital literacy, research, policy implementation and infrastructure development.
“For me, this is not just a conference. It is a movement for us to build our national cybersecurity resilience for our future. The future is digital. Our vision is to make Nigeria a digitally empowered nation, fostering inclusive economic growth through technological innovation,” he said.
He revealed that recent reports indicate a sharp rise in cyberattacks on Nigeria’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) and public service platforms.
The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu noted that authorities are prepared for those desperate to hold onto power by exploiting digital vulnerabilities.
He also stressed that both the public and private sectors must work together to build a safe digital future.
“Together we are building a safer, more resilient digital Nigeria one that can inspire confidence, drive innovation and secure our future,” he said.
The American Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills stated that the United States is committed to working with Nigeria to secure its cyberspace and ensure a safe digital future.
“The United States is committed to working with Nigeria to fight cybersecurity threats and ensure a safe digital future,” he said.
In his speech, the chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede highlighted the importance of cybersecurity to Nigeria’s financial ecosystem.
He called for international cooperation, information sharing, and stronger partnerships between regulators, law enforcement, and financial institutions to build a resilient, secure and trustworthy financial ecosystem.
Olukoyede noted that the commission is building a 500-capacity facility to harness the talents of young Nigerians involved in cyber fraud for the nation’s benefit.
The chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Shuaibu Salisu in his goodwill message, advised NITDA to offer digital orientation to newly elected legislators to ease legislative business.
