In a decisive move to bolster Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global cybersecurity leader, Kaspersky.
The agreement, signed as a sideline activity of the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX) Nigeria in Lagos, marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey and its commitment to securing critical infrastructure through capacity building and collaboration. It is also in alignment with the NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) pillar five which is to ‘Strengthen Cybersecurity and Enhance Digital Trust,” and a key pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda of strengthening National Security for Peace and Prosperity.
The NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, who signed the MoU on behalf of NITDA emphasised that the foundation of cybersecurity lies in human capacity. “More than 95% of cyber breaches are caused by human error. “Our first line of defense must be the people. We need to build talent, raise awareness, and ensure fluency in how technology is used. This MoU is not just a formality, it is a springboard for action,” Inuwa stated.
He further stressed that while MOUs often generate media attention, the real value lies in implementation. “We have already started working with Kaspersky even before this signing. For us, it is about impact, not just paperwork. We want the media and the public to hold us accountable for delivering on this partnership.”
He said: “The Cybersecurity aspects that should be considered for having a secure IT environment in the country range from the safe use of smartphones by children and older people, to shielding the facilities of critical infrastructure. Our collaboration with Kaspersky, which has deep expertise in all these areas, will be another step in building multi-layered national security”,
In his opening statement, the General Manager, Kaspersky Africa, Chris Norton, expressed strong enthusiasm for the partnership and Nigeria’s digital potential.
He said, “We are doubling down on the Nigerian market. Africa doesn’t need charity, it needs skills. Through public-private partnerships like this, we can accelerate value creation for communities and governments.”
He added that Kaspersky is committed to supporting Nigeria’s cybersecurity ecosystem and will also become a supporting member of the Nigerian Computer Society.
“This is the first step in a direction that I believe will lead to far bigger things for the Nigerian people and government. We are excited to work together to build a safer digital future.”
The scope of the MoU includes Cybersecurity training and capacity building; public awareness campaigns; information sharing; and protection of critical national infrastructure.
According to the MoU, both NITDA and Kaspersky would be exchanging relevant technical information, threat intelligence and data feeds related to cyberthreats and cyberattacks affecting the citizens, businesses and government in Nigeria. Kaspersky will provide advice for NITDA’s consideration in the building of cybersecurity frameworks and standards for the critical information infrastructures of Nigeria.
The signing ceremony concluded with a shared commitment to begin implementation immediately, focusing on proactive measures to counter emerging cyber threats and build a resilient digital infrastructure.
This partnership builds on an earlier engagement at GITEX Africa in Marrakech, Morocco, where the initial groundwork for collaboration was laid. It also follows similar agreements Kaspersky has signed with other Nigerian institutions, including SMEDAN.
