E-Business
Experts Proffer Ways to Protect ICT Users Against Cyber Security Crimes
Information and communication technology [ICT] experts who spoke at the recently held Indo-Africa ICT Expo in Lagos, which was declared opened by the Minister of Communication, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, have proffered solutions to protect users of ICT products against cyber security attacks in the country.
MD/CEO of Inlaks, Femi Adeoti was represented by the Executive Director, Infrastructure Business, Tope Dare, and he spoke on “Cyber Security, Perils, Protection and the Role of ICT. He highlighted some historic events that occurred in the cyberspace in 2017, citing the rise of Ponzi schemes, which promised spurious financial returns on investments and the recent Ransomware attack, the wannacry which had negative consequences on over 150 countries including Nigeria.
Dare pointed out that the emergence of crypto-currency is a major threats to cyber security in the world today.
He said, “Hackers use cryptocurrencies based on its anonymous nature of receiving and making payments and they attack the cryptocurrency exchanges by flooding them with requests, therefore, making it unusable.
“In 2018, there will be a continuous demand for cybersecurity services and functions for cybersecurity providers and the demand will come from small and large scale businesses.
“As the demand for provider’s increases, request for technology talents would skyrocket locally and internationally, which may lead to the migration of skills outside Nigeria to the rest of Africa and the world.
“The use and promotion of effective cybersecurity regulations play a key role in reducing risks of cyber-attacks; as such, the emergence of Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT), Customer Security Programme (CSP) and the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) companies would mandate the various bodies in order not to fall victim to cyber-attacks”, he said.
He further affirmed that the country’s regulatory agencies such as the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM), Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) would need to establish and enforce regulations and codes of conducts that will protect the nation and its citizens from losses due to cyber-attacks.
In his presentation, Director General, ICT, Ekiti State, Toyin Olaniteru shared his thoughts on “securing data and protecting privacy” and averred that banks are the main targets for computer hackers and other thieves of electronic data. According to him rogue employees use swipe card skimmers to steal card numbers and related data from customers.
“The risk of losing customers’ data is critical and needs to be managed carefully. Banks and other companies are unprepared to deal with a serious data breach.
“While data security presents daunting challenges for most, there are basic steps that can be pursued to protect organizations against the worst cyber threats.
“Some of the banks apply due diligence when employing staff, and follow-up with employees can assist greatly in reducing the risks associated with data security breaches”, he said.
The CEO of Halogen Security, Wale Olaoye who was represented by the Director, Virtual Security and Strategic Market, Dayo Abegunde pointed out that everyone who owns a mobile phone, email address and password is prone to cyber security threat.
To buttress his case, he referred to artificial intelligence, internet of things, mobile, social media and cloud computing as the game changers in the ICT world.
“While these are the game changers in today’s world, they also have their challenges. Everybody who has a mobile phone is susceptible to cyber security attack.
The growing number of intelligent connected industrial and consumer devices has created new ways that intruders can gain access to network and data”.
Listing ways to overcome data breeches, Olaniteru said there is the need to encrypt data especially when dealing with customer account and personal information as well as certain categories of employee information.
He said data security protocols must be established for password protection, encryption, employee mobile devices, data placement on drives and laptop as well as continuous employee training and transfer.
“Data mapping is important to know what data your company has and on which of the systems the data is stored. The bank or any organisation must carry out diligence on employees, computer vendors etc as this will help ensure companywide compliance with security protocols”, he said.
Nigerian government, through the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has announced a strategic collaboration to strengthen cybersecurity and clean up the nation’s cyberspace.
Recognizing that cybercrime knows no borders, Nigeria also reaffirmed its commitment to fostering stronger global partnerships within the cybersecurity ecosystem.
This announcement was made during a press conference before the inaugural National Cybersecurity Conference, which is scheduled to take place in Abuja from July 9th to 11th, 2025.
Sa’ad Abubakar, national cybersecurity coordinator from the Office of National Security Advisor, said fighting cybercrime must take the whole of society and the whole of the government approach.
According to him, “Apart from the deterrent approach whereby government agencies such as Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrest individuals, take them to court and prosecute them, the youth can be nurtured into better citizens who can showcase their capacity in better ways and be useful to the country.”
Similarly, Kashifu Abdullahi, director-general, NITDA, also stressed the need for collaborative efforts in fighting cybercrimes.
According to him “Then, in addition to that, we also want to build a stronger global collaboration with the global cyber security ecosystem, because when you look at cybercrime in general, it doesn’t respect the borders.
“Someone can commit a crime from Ghana using a Nigerian ID in the US. So you can look at him physically in a different jurisdiction, pretending to be in another jurisdiction, committing the crime in another jurisdiction.
“So without that kind of synergy and working together, it will be difficult to address these challenges. The third one is challenge. The third one is getting an alternative to cybercrime for our kids in Nigeria. We have this as a major challenge.”
Inuwa further highlighted the upcoming conference’s importance, noting that it would tackle key issues through workshops, discussions on emerging threats, cross-border cybersecurity collaboration strategies, and training programmes.
He also announced that the National Cybersecurity Conference 2025 would feature the Cybersecurity Excellence Awards, recognising top contributions in the field.
The DG extended an invitation to global partners to collaborate with Nigeria in building a safer digital future.
The press conference was attended by notable figures, including Ahmad Sa’ad Abubakar, National Coordinator of, the National Cybersecurity Coordination Centre (NCCC); Hanniel Jafar, Representative of the President, of Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN); Ankit Shukla, Managing Director, QNA Marketing Management LLC and members of the press and other stakeholders.
XIAN Telecom has acquired an 8% stake in pan-African e-commerce company Jumia Technologies, citing the platform’s fintech and logistics strengths as key drivers of its backing.
This marks the first major telecom investment in Jumia since MTN Group’s exit in 2020.
AXIAN, a fast-growing telecom and digital services provider with operations across Africa, disclosed the purchase in a Schedule 13D filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
While the financial terms were not disclosed, AXIAN Telecom CEO, Hassan Jaber, described the move as a strategic alignment with Jumia’s growth trajectory and digital ecosystem.
“Jumia’s achievements in digital retail and fintech, particularly through JumiaPay and its logistics network, make it a very attractive investment for us. We believe in Jumia’s potential to promote financial and economic inclusion, which aligns with our core values,” said Jaber.
Once dubbed the “Amazon of Africa,” Jumia became the first African-founded tech company to list on the New York Stock Exchange in 2019.
But years of underperformance, leadership changes, and competitive pressures dented investor confidence.
In October 2020, South Africa’s MTN Group offloaded its 18.9% stake for $138 million, well below the $698 million value it once held post-IPO.
Since then, Jumia has undergone a significant transformation. Under CEO Francis Dufay, appointed in 2022, the company exited low-performing markets like South Africa and Tunisia, cut costs, and doubled down on core markets – Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco.
The firm is now focused on high-growth verticals, including everyday essentials and digital financial services.
Jumia’s regional CEO for East Africa, Vinod Goel, recently revealed plans to scale up international brand offerings and open its logistics network to third-party businesses.
Jaber underscored that AXIAN Telecom’s investment signals renewed confidence in Jumia’s long-term potential.
The telecom firm’s CEO said the company views Jumia as a key player in advancing Africa’s digital economy, aligning with AXIAN’s mission through its fintech and digital infrastructure brands such as Yas and Mixx by Yas.
Abisoye Coker-Odusote, director general, National Identity management commission (NIMC) has said that the commission is set to register 95 percent of Nigerians into the National Identity Database before December 2025.
Abisoye Coker-Odusote,, DG, NIMC
She made this statement at a press briefing to highlight the commissions goal aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly on digital governance and inclusive development.
The mass enrollment drive will be powered by a combination of improved infrastructure, expanded registration centres, and robust public sensitization campaigns.
As of May 2025, NIMC reports over 120 million Nigerians have been enrolled, and about 100 million more would be captured by December.
Telcos Threaten to Disconnect Banks over Misinformation on New USSD Charges
MTN Nigeria Plans N900Bn in Service Upgrade
NDIC Calls for Inputs to IADI Core Principles for Effective Deposit Insurance
Netflix Hikes Subscription Fees Again in Nigeria over “Market Conditions”
DSO: STBMAN Accuses NBC of Contempt, Seeks Presidential Intervention
E-Business3 days agoNIMC Plans to Register 95 Percent Nigerians by December
News3 days agoJAMB Waxes Worriedly over Rising Digital Exam Fraud
Telecom3 days ago9mobile Nigeria Inks Agreement to Roam with MTN
Telecom3 days agoIHS Nigeria Moves to Enhance G4S Secure Solutions Site Patrols and Increase Operational Efficiency with Patrol Vehicles
E-Business2 days agoAXIAN Telecom Invests in Jumia Post-MTN Era
Telecom3 days agoBanks, Telcos to Start Deducting USSD Charges from Airtime Today
- E-Financial2 days ago
UBA Compiles with NCC, to Deduct USSD from Customers’ Accounts
E-Business2 days agoNigeria Strengthens Cybersecurity, Launches National Cleanup Plan