The Cybersecurity Experts Association of Nigeria (CSEAN) and First Bank have called for enhanced protection of Nigeria’s critical digital infrastructure against rising cyber threats, the risks posed by artificial intelligence, and the increasing dependence on digital platforms.
The call was made by Mr. Olabode Agboola, President of CSEAN, during the association’s 11th Annual Conference held in Abuja on Friday.
The conference, themed *“Building Resilience: Securing Critical Infrastructure and Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for a Trusted Digital Economy,”* attracted cybersecurity professionals, policymakers, and technology innovators from across the globe.
Agboola explained that the event aimed to tackle emerging cyber threats facing governments, businesses, financial institutions, and digital users in light of technological advancements and the growing reliance on interconnected digital systems.
He highlighted that the rapid growth of the digital economy worldwide has exposed new vulnerabilities, noting that the increasing use of digital applications requires stronger cybersecurity frameworks and policies to protect critical sectors globally.
“Cyber threats thrive where vulnerabilities exist,” Agboola said. “In 2025, there were about 425 million global cyber breaches, with projections reaching around 450 million in 2026. The cost of managing these breaches globally is approximately 10.5 trillion dollars, whereas annual global cybersecurity budgets total just 245 billion dollars.”
He also addressed the shortage of cybersecurity professionals, stating that the global deficit of skilled cybersecurity experts had reached approximately 4.8 million across both public and private institutions.
“This skills gap worsens vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, financial institutions, and digital platforms,” Agboola stated.
Another concern raised by Agboola was the issue of cross-border data transfers involving foreign-owned platforms operating in Nigeria. He questioned whether these platforms complied with Nigeria’s Data Protection Act and its provisions on protecting citizens’ data.
“Many applications used by Nigerians are foreign-owned, meaning citizens’ data is often stored outside Nigeria. There must be questions raised about their compliance with our laws on cross-border data transfer,” Agboola said.
Agboola also discussed the dual nature of artificial intelligence, acknowledging its potential in supporting cybersecurity defenses while warning of its risks, particularly in military and kinetic operations.
“I am comfortable with AI supporting business automation, but when it is used in military operations, that’s a concern,” he added.
Mrs. Oluwatoni Falade, CSEAN’s Vice President and Conference Chairperson, explained that the conference was designed to strengthen local and international cybersecurity capacity through knowledge-sharing, innovation, and collaboration.
Falade said that the event had both physical and virtual participants, including experts from the diaspora, to foster greater knowledge exchange and stronger global cybersecurity partnerships.
“The evolving nature of artificial intelligence means that we must understand both its potential and the associated risks,” Falade said. She called for more awareness on information security, data privacy, and cyber risks.
She further urged the empowerment of government bodies, private investors, and professionals through continuous cybersecurity education.
Mr. Harrison Nnaji, Group Chief Information Security Officer at First Bank Nigeria, emphasized that cybersecurity is a key strategic priority for the bank, requiring ongoing investment in people, technology, processes, and customer awareness.
“Cybersecurity is integral to the bank’s operations, requiring continual investment in advanced technologies and capacity-building for our staff and customers,” Nnaji stated.
He outlined how the bank had strengthened its cybersecurity infrastructure by hiring skilled professionals, conducting staff training, and regularly educating customers on recognizing and addressing evolving cyber threats.
The conference also featured the adoption of cybersecurity modules by representatives of paramilitary organizations, including the Nigeria Police Force, aimed at boosting institutional awareness and resilience against digital threats.
