Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has signed a landmark partnership with global cybersecurity giant, Kaspersky, at GITEX Nigeria in Lagos.
With 95% of cyber breaches caused by human error, the focus of this MoU goes beyond systems and software.
It’s about building talent, raising awareness, and strengthening digital trust at every level from schoolchildren using smartphones to national infrastructure powering millions.
This partnership took place at the recent GITEX event in Nigeria.
According to NITDA, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signals a shift from reactive defense to people-first, proactive cybersecurity.
“Our first line of defense must be the people,” said Kashifu Inuwa, NITDA’s Director General. “More than 95% of breaches are caused by human error. This MoU is not just paperwork, it’s a springboard for action. We want the media and the public to hold us accountable.”
Under the agreement, NITDA and Kaspersky will:
• Build cybersecurity skills across government, schools, and businesses
• Run nationwide awareness campaigns on safe digital practices
• Share real-time threat intelligence to counter attacks
• Develop frameworks and standards for protecting Nigeria’s critical infrastructure
Chris Norton, GM, Kaspersky Africa, reinforced the urgency:
“Africa doesn’t need charity, it needs skills. Through partnerships like this, we can accelerate value creation for communities and governments.”
This is not Nigeria’s first brush with Kaspersky, the groundwork was laid at GITEX Africa in Morocco, with follow-ups including collaborations with institutions like SMEDAN.
But today’s agreement raises the stakes, putting national digital security at the center of Nigeria’s transformation agenda.
Why This Partnership Matters More Than Ever
• Cybercrime costs Africa over $4 billion annually and Nigeria is a prime target.
• With over 122 million internet users, human vulnerability is the biggest weak point.
• As Nigeria digitizes governance, health, and finance, one breach can destabilize millions.
By prioritizing people before technology, NITDA and Kaspersky are betting that a cyber-aware citizenry is Nigeria’s strongest firewall.
