The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to establish a Cybersecurity Coordination Council, a move aimed at bolstering the nation’s cyber resilience through strengthened public-private collaboration. The initiative, unveiled by Dr Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, reflects a growing recognition that safeguarding Nigeria’s digital economy requires coordinated action across government, industry, and civil society.
Dr Tijani emphasized that cybersecurity is a shared national responsibility, calling for sustained engagement and trusted partnerships to detect threats early, respond effectively, and protect citizens, businesses, and critical digital infrastructure. He encouraged stakeholders to help shape a sustainable, partnership-led cybersecurity model capable of deterring cybercrime and ensuring a trusted digital ecosystem.
The proposed council will serve as a central platform for aligning cybersecurity efforts, facilitating information sharing, and coordinating responses to emerging threats. This approach aligns with global best practices, where multi-stakeholder collaboration has proven essential in mitigating the impact of cyber incidents and enhancing national security.
In parallel, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has confirmed it is conducting an investigation into a reported data breach involving Remita Payment Services Ltd., Sterling Bank, and other entities. According to Babatunde Bamigboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement & Regulations at the NDPC, the Commission served notice of investigation on 1 April 2026 and is gathering information to assess the scope and impact of the incident.
The probe is examining the types of personal data involved, the nature and extent of the alleged breach, associated risks to data subjects, and the mitigation measures implemented. Dr Vincent Olatunji, NDPC’s National Commissioner and CEO, has directed that organizations using digital payment systems without adequate technical and organizational safeguards—as required under the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023—will also be reviewed. This broader examination aims to uphold the integrity of the data protection ecosystem.
The twin developments underscore Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening both cybersecurity coordination and data protection enforcement. As digital adoption accelerates, the government’s focus on collaborative frameworks and rigorous compliance signals a proactive stance in safeguarding the nation’s digital future.
