ABC Launches Virtual Hub to Address Nigeria’s Cybersecurity Skills Gap

Gilbert Ekugbe

The American Business Council (ABC) has launched its virtual cybersecurity hub to address the dearth of Nigeria’s cybersecurity skill currently put at over four million.

The Chief Executive Officer and Executive Secretary ABC, Ms. Margaret Olele, said at the ABC cyber hub launch and media parley tagged “Cybersecurity Accessibility in Africa-creating an Inclusive Cyberspace” said that the launch of the hub is aimed at providing cybersecurity training modules and fostering cybersecurity awareness for the youths in Nigeria.

Olele pointed out the need to provide accessible solutions to safeguard critical infrastructure in the country, pointing out that education, training and investment in critical infrastructure is key to tackling cyberattacks while also increasing the accessibility and understanding of cybersecurity in the country.

“We are trying to create awareness for the talent gap we have in Nigeria. There is an urgent need for capacity building and upskilling the market that can help drive cybersecurity in Nigeria,” she said.

According to her, the council is working with the federal government and private sector in the ICT space to seek efficient and effective ways to grow Nigeria’s cyberspace.

Also speaking, the United States Commercial Counselor for Nigeria, Ms. Julie LeBlanc, said that the tech sector is very important for economic growth and development, adding that it plays a pivotal role in checkmating cyberattacks.

“The sector must be safe for Nigeria to explore all the potentials of the sector,” she said.

On her part, the Chief Executive Officer, Commercio Limited, Aderonke Adeyegbe, said the virtual hub is long overdue considering the accelerated digital transformation being experienced in the country since the advent of COVID 19.

She called on African governments to help formulate policies and strategies around cybersecurity while also pointing out the need to establish a talent factory to meet Nigeria’s growing needs for cybersecurity and the world at large.

“It is important that cybersecurity is given the front burner because. A lot of youths that are unemployed can come on board to be equipped with cybersecurity trainings to help us combat the spate of cyberattacks,” she said.

“We need a talent factory that meets international standards that the students would be exposed to. This is one of the ways to bridge the shortage of cybersecurity skills in Nigeria and the world,” she added.

The Director, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), IT Hub, University of Lagos, Dr. Victor Odumuyiwa, stated the need for Nigeria to keep digitalising and create the proper infrastructure for cybersecurity.

He also highlighted the need to build local capacities and competencies, create new entry points for cybersecurity learning and promote cybersecurity solutions that are home grown.

“We cannot grow as a nation if we keep depending on foreign cybersecurity solutions and technologies,” he urged.