The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to create a Cybersecurity Coordination Council to strengthen the country’s ability to prevent and respond to cyber threats. The move comes amid growing concerns about data security and recent reports of potential breaches affecting major financial institutions.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijani, said the proposed council will bring together government agencies, private sector players, and other stakeholders to build a stronger, more coordinated approach to cybersecurity.
“Cybersecurity is a shared national responsibility,” Tijani said, stressing that protecting Nigeria’s digital economy requires partnerships, trust, and collective vigilance across government, industry, and civil society. He added that coordinated efforts will improve early threat detection, effective response, and the development of a resilient digital ecosystem.
According to Tijani, the Cybersecurity Coordination Council will serve as a platform for collaboration and intelligence sharing among key actors in both public and private sectors. The goal is to identify vulnerabilities, respond promptly to incidents, and strengthen the country’s overall digital infrastructure.
“The council will ensure that we have a unified approach to tackling cybercrime, protecting critical national infrastructure, and safeguarding the digital economy,” Tijani said. “We urge all stakeholders to contribute to a sustainable, partnership-led cybersecurity model designed to deter cybercrime and protect citizens, businesses, and national interests.”
The announcement of the council comes alongside an investigation by the Nigeria Data Protection Commission into a suspected data breach affecting some financial and payment service providers.
The NDPC has confirmed that Remita Payment Services Limited, Sterling Bank, and other organisations are under review following reports of potential unauthorised access to customer data. Notices of investigation were issued on April 1, 2026, and relevant organisations are cooperating by providing necessary information.
Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement and Regulations at the NDPC, said the commission is examining the type of personal data involved, the scope of the alleged breach, risks to affected individuals, and whether sufficient mitigation measures have been taken to protect users.
“Data protection is essential to maintaining trust in Nigeria’s digital economy,” Bamigboye said. “We are committed to ensuring that organisations handling personal data adhere strictly to the provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023.”
NDPC National Commissioner Vincent Olatunji added that the investigation aims to ensure that all organisations using digital payment systems comply with legal requirements and take proactive steps to protect sensitive information.
The Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, which governs how personal data is collected, stored, and processed, provides the legal framework for regulating digital information. The law requires companies to implement adequate security measures to prevent breaches and to report incidents when they occur.
According to analysts, coordinated efforts between government and private stakeholders can reduce vulnerabilities and improve incident response. In addition to protecting citizens, these measures help to preserve investor confidence and promote a safe environment for business operations in Nigeria.
The proposed Cybersecurity Coordination Council is expected to focus on multiple priorities, including monitoring cyber threats, improving regulatory oversight, promoting cybersecurity awareness, and establishing protocols for reporting and responding to incidents.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the announcement, saying that greater collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential. Cybersecurity consultants note that Nigeria faces challenges such as outdated systems, lack of trained personnel, and increasing sophistication of cyberattacks, which make coordinated action necessary.
In parallel, the NDPC’s ongoing probe of the suspected data breach serves as a reminder of the risks associated with inadequate cybersecurity measures. Personal data breaches can expose citizens to financial loss, identity theft, and other cyber-related crimes.
The Ministry of Communications and the NDPC are also working to encourage organisations to adopt stronger security practices, including encryption, access control, and regular audits of digital systems. Public awareness campaigns are expected to inform Nigerians about how to safeguard their personal information online.
Together, these measures are part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to strengthen digital governance, ensure compliance with legal frameworks, and create a safer environment for the country’s growing digital economy.
As the country continues to embrace technology in sectors such as banking, commerce, health, and education, robust cybersecurity and data protection measures will play a key role in maintaining public trust and economic stability.
The creation of the Cybersecurity Coordination Council, alongside NDPC enforcement actions, reflects a dual approach: proactive prevention of cyber threats and reactive investigation of potential breaches. By combining regulatory oversight with collaboration and awareness, Nigeria aims to establish a secure digital ecosystem for citizens, businesses, and government institutions alike.
With these steps, the Federal Government hopes to position Nigeria as a leader in digital safety and governance, ensuring that the benefits of technological advancement are enjoyed without compromising the security and privacy of users.