The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has revealed that Nigeria lost more than $3 billion to cybercrime between 2019 and 2025, calling for stronger cybersecurity measures to protect government digital infrastructure and sustain the country’s digital transformation.
The agency disclosed this during a two-day cybersecurity workshop organized for Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in Abuja. The programme focused on strengthening cyber resilience across the public sector amid the growing sophistication of cyber threats targeting government institutions.
Delivering the Director-General’s address, the Assistant Director of NITDA’s Cybersecurity Department, Dr. Ayodele Bakare, who represented Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, said Nigeria’s increasing reliance on digital technologies has created new opportunities for innovation but has also expanded the country’s exposure to cyber risks.
According to him, the rapid adoption of digital platforms across government has made cybersecurity an essential component of public service delivery, requiring institutions to strengthen their ability to prevent, detect and respond to cyber incidents.
He said government organisations must move beyond relying solely on technical teams by promoting cybersecurity awareness among employees, strengthening internal security policies and improving preparedness against emerging threats.
Bakare also called for stronger collaboration among Ministries, Departments and Agencies, noting that coordinated action, regular cyber risk assessments and effective incident response mechanisms are necessary to safeguard government information systems.
NITDA said the estimated $3 billion lost to cybercrime over the six-year period highlights the financial impact of cyber threats on Nigeria’s economy and reinforces the need for continuous investment in cybersecurity capacity and digital resilience.
The agency urged public institutions to adopt recognised cybersecurity standards, strengthen governance frameworks and prioritise continuous training for personnel responsible for managing digital assets.
As Nigeria accelerates its digital transformation agenda, NITDA reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders across government and the private sector to build a secure, resilient and trusted digital ecosystem capable of supporting sustainable economic growth.