ABC Commits to Addressing Nigeria’s Cybersecurity Skills Gap

Gilbert Ekugbe

The American Business Council (ABC) has restated its commitment to bridging the dearth of Nigeria’s cybersecurity skill gap currently put at over four million.

The Chief Executive Officer and Executive Secretary ABC, Margaret Olele, at the launch of its virtual hub and media parley, “Cybersecurity accessibility in Africa-creating an inclusive cyberspace,” said the launch is apt considering the spate of cyber attacks especially on the nation’s financial sector.

She added that the launch of the hub is aimed at providing cybersecurity training modules and fostering cybersecurity awareness for the youths in Nigeria.

She also 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 cyber attacks while also increasing the accessibility and understanding of cybersecurity in the country.

“We are trying to create an 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.

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

“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.

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.