The future of technology in Nigeria will depend on the amount of investment stakeholders are willing to make in skills, innovation and human capacity. This is the view of the Founder/Chief Visionary Officer of Digital Encode, Cyber and information security firm, Prof. Adewale Peter Obadare, as he hosted the Executives of the Nigeria Information Technology Reporters Association (NITRA) in his office in Lagos.
The NITRA executives, led by the Chairman, Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, paid a courtesy visit to Digital Encode to engage the Cybersecurity expert on ways to engender sub-sectorial growth that will impact the economy as a whole. This is part of the outcome of its recently held 2024 ICT Growth Forum series, with the theme “impact of AI On National Development: Prospects, Policies, and Challenges in Nigeria”. The annual conference seeks to bring all stakeholders in the ICT industry, both from public and private sectors, to discuss and find ways of ensuring that the country mines the inherent benefits of emerging technologies through laudable policies, stakeholder engagements and collaborative efforts.
Prof. Obadare noted that to build human capital, skills and innovations that will speak to the growth of technology in Nigeria, employers, both in the public and private sectors must ensure they discard the notion that they cannot train or up-skill their staff for fear of poaching.
According to him, companies should develop strategic means of training and retraining their staff, and focus on the benefits of a trained IT practitioner to the overall economic wellbeing of the country, rather than the immediate contribution to the company of employ.
Citing example of Digital Encode, he noted that the firm achieves this vision by focusing on building human capacity through its innovative “pool system” that attracts top talent by offering a duration-bound partnership, rather than just employment. The partnership dedicates a minimum amount investment in certification, sign-up bonuses and opportunities for professional growth and development as the years go.
The cybersecurity guru further noted that a good relationship with an employer, will enable a trained employee, not only become a good marketing voice, but also refer the company for businesses, even after leaving the employ of the company.
Also training an employee will help erase the possibility of using such a staff as a weak link to exploiting the company’s vulnerability.
“People are often the weakest link in cybersecurity, susceptible to phishing, social engineering, and other attacks. Human vulnerability can be significantly mitigated through education and awareness programs that empower individuals to recognize and report potential threats,” he said.
Prof. Obadare, speaking on the need for implementation of cybersecurity policies made some strategic recommendations that will ensure that the future of technology in Nigeria is secured. These he said include:
- Developing a national cybersecurity strategy.
- Establishing cybersecurity training programs.
- Implementation of robust security measures.
- Fostering public-private partnerships.
“Cybersecurity is a critical concern that demands a comprehensive approach, encompassing people, processes, and technology. While Nigeria has made significant strides in strengthening its cybersecurity posture, there remains room for improvement, particularly in training and awareness.
“By adopting a collective approach to cybersecurity, Nigeria can strengthen its defenses, protect its digital infrastructure, and ensure a safer online environment for all,” he asserted.
Digital Encode, which boasts of 21 years of pioneering digital innovation in Nigeria, said it is focused on expanding its cybersecurity services across Africa; developing strategic partnerships with governments and institutions; and continuing to invest in human capacity and innovation.
He however noted that businesses in the country, not excluding cybersecurity firms, are weighed down by multiple challenges that should also be addressed. These challenges include:
- Multiple taxation, mostly caused by overlapping regulatory requirements
- Power instability, which drastically increases operational cost
- Forex instability: fluctuating exchange rates affecting operations
- Infrastructure limitations: investing in solar power to ensure continuity remains inadequate for power consistency
“Cybersecurity affects not just the government, but also businesses and individuals. It is a national, business, and personal issue that requires collective effort to address. The government, private sector, and individuals must collaborate to develop and implement effective strategies to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats,” he concluded.
