Revolutionizing Cybersecurity in Nigeria: Adeoye Afolabi’s Vision for Empowerment, Development

By Rebecca Ejifoma

In Nigeria, the role of cybersecurity has evolved significantly. Once seen primarily as a tool to combat fraud and cybercrime, it is now being harnessed for much more—empowering industries and driving economic development. Leading this charge is Adeoye Afolabi, a seasoned cybersecurity expert whose work is redefining how cybersecurity can foster growth, particularly in critical sectors like healthcare and beyond.

Adeoye Afolabi, a Network and Security Architect at Cisco Systems, has an impressive track record in the field of cybersecurity. With over 9 years of experience in setting IT security direction, governance, risk management, and developing security policies, he has worked across various sectors, helping organizations adopt robust security practices while mitigating risks. His contributions are not only technical but also visionary, with a clear focus on empowering Nigeria’s critical infrastructure, particularly healthcare, with secure digital solutions.

Cybersecurity in Nigeria has traditionally been viewed through the lens of fraud prevention and protection from cybercriminals. However, Afolabi’s perspective is much broader. As the digital transformation of Nigeria accelerates, so does the need to secure sensitive data across industries like healthcare, banking, and telecommunications. Nigeria’s healthcare sector, in particular, has been plagued by inefficiencies and vulnerabilities in its digital infrastructure.

With millions of Nigerians now accessing healthcare services online or through digital health platforms, the threat of cyberattacks looms large. Afolabi sees cybersecurity as a key enabler of trust and reliability in these systems. By deploying secure digital frameworks and protecting patient data, cybersecurity can help create a more efficient and trustworthy healthcare system.

“A secure healthcare system will not only protect data but also save lives by ensuring uninterrupted access to critical information,” Afolabi explains. Through his work at Cisco, where he is involved in deploying advanced technologies like SD-WAN for key clients such as the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), Afolabi emphasizes the importance of building a secure, resilient digital infrastructure that serves as the backbone of national development.

In Nigeria, cybersecurity regulation has been evolving with the establishment of bodies like the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). NITDA, in particular, plays a central role in driving the implementation of cybersecurity policies and frameworks, such as the Nigerian Cybersecurity Policy and Strategy (NCPS), aimed at strengthening the country’s cybersecurity posture. Afolabi believes that while progress is being made, there is still a significant need for more comprehensive regulations, particularly in sectors that handle critical infrastructure. He advocates for more alignment between cybersecurity regulations and the changing technological landscape, especially with the rise of IoT, AI, and cloud technologies.

To aid this, Afolabi recommends the adoption of emerging cybersecurity tools and practices, such as Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), and Advanced Malware Protection (AMP), which are already being implemented by companies like Cisco and Shell Nigeria. These tools allow organizations to monitor, assess, and react to cyber threats in real-time, ensuring that their systems remain secure.

Afolabi’s work with clients like Shell Nigeria, where he oversaw SD-WAN implementation and network security assessments, illustrates the practical application of these tools. He highlights that Nigeria must invest in these advanced technologies to stay ahead of cyber threats that are becoming increasingly sophisticated.

One of the key challenges facing Nigeria is a shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. Afolabi advocates for increased investment in training and development programs to equip young Nigerians with the skills necessary to protect the nation’s digital infrastructure. He has already contributed to this effort, training over 200 graduates at CloudExchange’s weekend tech school.

Afolabi believes that collaboration between government agencies and private companies is essential to building a resilient cybersecurity ecosystem. This partnership can help foster the development of secure digital platforms and ensure that critical sectors, like healthcare, are protected. While Nigeria has made strides with NITDA and NCC, Afolabi stresses the need for a more robust regulatory framework that can keep pace with rapid technological advancements. This includes revising policies to address emerging threats and ensuring that cybersecurity measures are standardized across key industries.

Afolabi recommends that businesses adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity risk management. By integrating security into the development lifecycle (DevSecOps), businesses can mitigate risks before they become threats, ensuring a more secure and resilient digital environment. With digital transformation becoming a key driver of growth in Nigeria, Afolabi emphasizes the importance of securing digital platforms, particularly in sectors like healthcare, education, and finance. By ensuring these platforms are secure, Nigeria can foster innovation, improve service delivery, and drive economic development.

Afolabi’s work is not only about securing networks and systems; it’s about creating a future where technology drives development while ensuring that the risks associated with digital transformation are effectively managed.

As Nigeria continues to embrace digital solutions, Afolabi’s vision for cybersecurity as a tool for empowerment—one that protects critical data while enabling progress—is more relevant than ever. With experts like Adeoye Afolabi leading the charge, the future of cybersecurity in Nigeria looks promising. By adopting best practices, embracing new technologies, and investing in education, Nigeria can harness the power of cybersecurity to create a more secure, resilient, and prosperous future.