The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with cybersecurity firm SecDojo SAS, to position the country as a leader in Africa’s cyber ecosystem. The agreement, sealed during the GITEX Africa 2025 summit in Marrakech, Morocco, signals a new era for Nigeria’s cybersecurity capacity-building and digital talent development.
The partnership is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape through the creation of a national Cybersecurity Academy. This academy will deliver advanced training, hands-on simulation programmes, and develop tailored curricula to address the evolving challenges of cyber threats. The collaboration also includes fostering research, knowledge sharing, and professional exchange initiatives, all aimed at building a robust digital workforce.
Speaking at the signing, NITDA Director General Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi described the initiative as a “vital step in strengthening our national cybersecurity architecture and equipping our young population with in-demand digital skills.” He emphasized the importance of integrating digital skills and cybersecurity training into Nigeria’s formal education system, moving beyond short-term programmes to a long-term, systemic approach that spans primary, secondary, and tertiary education.
Nigeria’s large and youthful population is seen as a major asset in bridging the global cybersecurity talent gap. Inuwa noted that, with proper training and support, Nigerian youth can be connected to the global value chain, providing cybersecurity services both locally and internationally. He highlighted successful models like the Cisco Academy, which blends academic degrees with professional certifications, and called for broader collaboration with global tech partners such as Google and other open-source content providers.
SecDojo CEO Younes Benzagmout expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are honored to collaborate with NITDA to help shape a secure digital future for Nigeria. Our mission is to empower cybersecurity professionals through innovative, accessible training platforms, and we look forward to making a lasting impact.” The company plans to bring its cutting-edge training platforms and methodologies to support Nigeria’s tech talent ecosystem and contribute to a comprehensive national cyber capacity-building strategy.
This partnership marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey, reinforcing the country’s commitment to national security, innovation, and global competitiveness.
Updated: 18/4/2025
