Abuja, Nigeria – July 2025
Senator Shuaibu A. Salisu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT & Cybersecurity, emphasised the importance of multi-stakeholder engagement in advancing Nigeria’s cybersecurity priorities during his goodwill message at the National Cybersecurity Conference 2025 (#NCSC2025).
Speaking at the event, Senator Salisu highlighted the need for a collaborative approach involving government agencies, civil society organisations, and the private sector to enhance the nation’s digital resilience. He noted that the digitisation of government operations not only improves efficiency and reduces corruption but also provides critical data for developing Nigeria’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) framework.
Senator Salisu revealed that the Senate Committee would hold an interactive session next week with civil society organisations, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to address concerns in the proposed amendments to the Cybercrime Act. He stressed the importance of inclusive policymaking to ensure cybersecurity laws align with national and global best practices.
Three Critical Recommendations
1. Cybersecurity-Resilient Procurement: The Senator urged government agencies to ensure that all digital solutions procured meet stringent cybersecurity standards to safeguard national security while promoting economic growth.
2. Digital Orientation for Legislators: As the first IT professional to chair the Senate Committee on ICT & Cybersecurity, Senator Salisu called for mandatory digital literacy training for newly elected lawmakers. He emphasised that understanding emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing is essential for effective legislation.
3. Regulation of Digital Platforms: While advocating for freedom of expression, Senator Salisu urged tech giants and digital publishers to collaborate with regulators to curb the misuse of online platforms for malicious activities, ensuring a balance between innovation and national security.
The Senator requested a copy of the conference proceedings to guide future legislative efforts, affirming that “well done is better than well said.” He commended the organisers for the timely event and reiterated his commitment to advancing Nigeria’s cybersecurity agenda.
The #NCSC2025 conference continues to serve as a pivotal platform for shaping Nigeria’s cybersecurity policies, with stakeholders working towards a secure and prosperous digital future.
