Cybersecurity expert, Adebimpe Ige leads discourse at 6th Annual Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit

From November 13 to 15, 2023, Abuja played host to the 6th Annual Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit (NDIS), a hybrid event that underscored the pivotal role of Nigerians abroad in driving economic transformation. With the theme centered on “Resurgence and Revival of the Nigerian Economy in a Post-Oil Era,” the summit brought together a diverse group of diaspora investors, government officials, and entrepreneurs to explore actionable solutions for Nigeria’s economic diversification and growth.

As Nigeria transitions into a more technology-driven global economy, the event served as a call to action for the diaspora to leverage their expertise, networks, and resources in fostering sustainable development. Beyond remittances—estimated to be over $20 billion annually—the summit emphasized intellectual contributions, particularly in technology and innovation, as critical drivers for reshaping the nation’s economic image.

Among the summit’s standout experts was Bolatito Adebimpe Ige, a Canada-based cybersecurity consultant with the City of Calgary. Ige’s role involves crafting security policies and standards, conducting cloud security assessments, coordinating vulnerability scans, and spearheading cyber awareness campaigns. Her wealth of experience also includes serving as a Cybersecurity GRC Specialist with Canadian Pacific Railway, where she specialized in governance, risk, and compliance strategies.

Her publications further highlight her thought leadership. In her article this year, “Generative AI Advances for Data-Driven Insights in IoT, Cloud Technologies, and Big Data Challenges,” published in the Open Access Research Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, Ige examined how generative AI can extract actionable insights from IoT ecosystems, addressing issues like data sparsity and processing inefficiencies. Another noteworthy work, “Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Transformative Community Development” published in 2022 with GSC Advanced Research and Reviews, outlined an AI-driven framework for improving community engagement in sectors like education, healthcare, and urban planning.

During the summit, Ige emphasized how robust cybersecurity measures and advanced technologies can improve Nigeria’s economic image and attract foreign investments. “The perception of Nigeria as a risky environment, particularly for digital transactions, has deterred investors for years. By implementing world-class cybersecurity frameworks, we can change this narrative,” Ige said in an exclusive interview.

She outlined strategies that Nigeria can adopt to foster investor confidence. Adopting global cybersecurity standards and regulations to ensure businesses and government agencies adhere to secure practices. Running nationwide cybersecurity awareness campaigns to educate businesses and individuals on protecting their digital assets. Investing in cutting-edge tools for vulnerability management, penetration testing, and threat detection to reduce risks in critical sectors like finance and telecommunications. Using AI to monitor, detect, and mitigate emerging cyber threats while streamlining processes in high-risk industries such as fintech.

“By safeguarding the digital ecosystem, we’re not just protecting data but also sending a message to global investors that Nigeria is open for secure and transparent business,” Ige said.

The summit served as a testament to the transformative potential of the Nigerian diaspora in driving innovation. With more than 17 million Nigerians living abroad, the diaspora represents a reservoir of expertise across industries. Beyond financial investments, these professionals bring world-class skills, technologies, and best practices that can revolutionize key sectors like technology, healthcare, and agriculture.

Government officials at the event committed to addressing systemic challenges—such as policy inconsistencies and infrastructure deficits—that have historically deterred investment. The focus on simplifying regulations, fostering transparency, and ensuring political stability resonated with many attendees.
Speakers highlighted the role of technology, not just in economic development but also in rebranding Nigeria’s global image. The integration of AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity was presented as pivotal in positioning Nigeria as a technology-forward economy.

Bolatito Ige’s insights echo the broader message of the summit: that Nigeria’s economic transformation hinges on adopting innovative technologies to enhance transparency, security, and efficiency. “The world is watching, and Nigeria has a unique opportunity to reimagine its economy through digital transformation. Cybersecurity is a cornerstone of this journey,” Ige asserted.

For Nigeria to achieve this vision, it must leverage its diaspora talent pool to drive collaboration between local businesses, international investors, and government bodies. Initiatives such as cybersecurity training programs, AI-driven innovations, and partnerships with global technology firms can create a more attractive investment climate.

The 6th Annual Nigeria Diaspora Investment Summit showcased the untapped potential of Nigerians abroad to reshape the country’s economic future. Experts like Bolatito Adebimpe Ige demonstrated how cutting-edge technology, particularly in cybersecurity, can play a transformative role in enhancing investor confidence and rebranding Nigeria as a secure, innovative, and forward-thinking economy.

As Nigeria continues its transition into a post-oil era, the contributions of its diaspora will be instrumental in fostering sustainable development. With the right policies, infrastructure, and collaborations, the dream of a globally competitive Nigeria can become a reality.

The summit not only celebrated the achievements of Nigerians abroad but also laid the foundation for a future where diaspora expertise fuels national growth. As Bolatito Ige aptly put it, “Nigeria’s strength lies in its people—both at home and abroad—and their ability to drive change through innovation and collaboration.”