Cyber Attacks in Nigeria Surge as Digital Economy Expands — Bosun Tijani Warns

Cyber Attacks in Nigeria Surge as Digital Economy Expands — Bosun Tijani Warns

Cyber attacks in Nigeria are increasing rapidly as the country’s digital economy continues to expand, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, has revealed.

Speaking at a stakeholder consultation held in Abuja, Tijani explained that the rise in cyber attacks in Nigeria is directly linked to the country’s growing internet penetration, digital services, and online connectivity.

The event also marked the beginning of discussions on establishing a Ministerial Advisory Council for Cybersecurity Coordination, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s cyber resilience.

Why Cyber Attacks in Nigeria Are Increasing

According to Tijani, the more a country strengthens its digital economy, the more attractive it becomes to cybercriminals.

Nigeria currently boasts:

• Over 163 million internet users
• About 157 million active mobile lines
• 84% 4G network coverage
• Around 45% broadband penetration

While these figures highlight impressive digital growth, they also explain why cyber attacks in Nigeria are becoming more frequent.

“The stronger your digital economy gets, the more cyber attacks you are going to experience as a country. So most of what we are experiencing today is not by accident,” Tijani said.

He added that achieving a $1 trillion economy would require widespread and meaningful connectivity, which naturally increases exposure to cyber threats.

Government Investments Boost Digital Economy

The Federal Government has continued to invest heavily in digital infrastructure to drive economic growth.

Key projects include:

• A $2 billion fibre optic rollout covering 90,000 kilometres
• Deployment of 3,700 telecom towers
• Upgrades to national satellite systems

These developments are expected to improve connectivity nationwide, but they also make cybersecurity in Nigeria more critical than ever.

Experts Call for Stronger Cybersecurity Framework

To address the rise in cyber attacks in Nigeria, Tijani called for a shift from reactive responses to a coordinated national cybersecurity framework.

He stressed that cybersecurity should not rely solely on military-style defence but must involve collaboration between government agencies and the private sector.

AI Is Changing Cybersecurity in Nigeria

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, warned that artificial intelligence is making cyber threats more sophisticated.

According to him, cyber attacks in Nigeria are evolving rapidly due to AI-driven technologies, making traditional security approaches less effective.

“Cybersecurity in the age of AI is changing the game… It is not something government alone or the private sector alone can do,” he said.

He further revealed that over 95% of cyber incidents are caused by human error, highlighting the urgent need for digital literacy across the country.

Collaboration Key to Fighting Cyber Attacks in Nigeria

Also speaking at the event, a representative of Galaxy Backbone emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling cyber threats.

The agency currently operates a security operations centre that manages digital services across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

However, stakeholders agreed that efforts must be better coordinated to effectively reduce cyber attacks in Nigeria.

“Various organisations are doing their own bit, but many efforts are working in silos. People must speak to each other. It is the sum of all parts,” the official said.

Final Take

As Nigeria’s digital economy continues to grow, cyber attacks in Nigeria are expected to rise alongside it. Experts believe that only a coordinated, technology-driven, and collaborative approach can protect the country’s digital future.