Cybersecurity: NITDA, Kaspersky sign strategic MoU to protect Nigeria’s cyberspace

*Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency, restates Nigeria’s shared commitment to begin implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding ‘immediately, focusing on proactive measures to counter emerging cyberthreats, and build a resilient digital infrastructure’

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has inked a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Kaspersky, a global cybersecurity giant, as part of efforts at strengthening Nigeria’s cybersecurity ecosystem.

ConsumerConnect reports NITDA said the momentous agreement, signed as a sideline activity of the GITEX Nigeria, in Lagos, marked a significant milestone in the West African country’s digital transformation journey.

The move is regarded as the Federal Government’s commitment to securing Nigeria’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII) through capacity building and collaboration with industry stakeholders.

The Information Technology sector regulatory agency also averred the new-fangled MoU with Kaspersky well aligns its 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.

Malam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE, Director-General of NITDA, who signed the MoU on behalf of NITDA, stressed that the foundation of cybersecurity lies in human capacity.

Inuwa stated: “More than 95 percent 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.”

The Director-General of the agency noted while the signing of MoUs usually, generates media attention, the real value still lies in implementation of such agreements.

From securing mobile devices to CNII in digital ecosystem, by Inuwa

As regards cybersecurity solutions the agency and other stakeholders have proffered prior to the MoU, the NITDA Chief Executive disclosed “we have already started working with Kaspersky even before this signing.”

He asserted: “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.

“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.”

Norton: Kaspersky committed to supporting Nigeria’s cybersecurity ecosystem

Earlier in his opening statement, Chris Norton, General Manager, Kaspersky Africa, had expressed strong enthusiasm for the partnership and Nigeria’s digital potential in the global cyberspace.

Norton 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.”

The General Manager, Kaspersky African region, restated Kaspersky’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s cybersecurity ecosystem.

According to him, the company will also become “a supporting member of the Nigerian Computer Society”.

He averred: “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.”

Scope of MoU with Nigeria

NITDA as well disclosed the scope of the MoU includes cybersecurity training and capacity building

public awareness campaigns, information sharing and protection of Critical National Infrastructure across the country.

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.

The agency noted Kaspersky would provide advice for NITDA’s consideration in the building of cybersecurity frameworks and standards for the CNII in Nigeria.

The MoU signing ceremony ended with a shared commitment to begin implementation immediately, focusing on proactive measures to counter emerging cyberthreats and build a resilient digital infrastructure.

NITDA said “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, the agency added.

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