NITDA, Kaspersky Sign MoU to Strengthen Nigeria’s Digital Defenses

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has entered into a strategic partnership with global cybersecurity firm, Kaspersky, to boost Nigeria’s resilience against growing cyber threats.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on the sidelines of the GTIEX Nigeria in Lagos, is designed to strengthen the nation’s digital defenses through training, awareness campaigns, information sharing, and the protection of critical infrastructure. The collaboration aligns with pillar five of NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0), which seeks to “Strengthen Cybersecurity and Enhance Digital Trust,” and also complements the Renewed Hope Agenda’s focus on national security.

Signing on behalf of NITDA, Director-General Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, stressed that people remain the core of cybersecurity. “More than 95% of cyber breaches are caused by human error. Our first line of defense must be the people. We need to build talent, raise awareness, and ensure responsible use of technology. This MoU is not just paperwork it is a springboard for action,” he said.

Inuwa emphasized that the real value of the partnership lies in implementation, noting that joint work with Kaspersky had already begun before the formal signing. “We want the media and the public to hold us accountable for delivering on this partnership,” he added.

Highlighting the broad scope of cybersecurity, Inuwa pointed to risks ranging from the safe use of smartphones by children and older citizens to the protection of critical infrastructure. He said Kaspersky’s expertise would play a key role in building Nigeria’s multilayered digital security architecture.

Chris Norton, General Manager of Kaspersky Africa, welcomed the collaboration, describing Nigeria as a key growth market. “Africa doesn’t need charity, it needs skills. Through partnerships like this, we can accelerate value creation for communities and governments. This is the first step in what will become a much bigger journey,” he said, adding that Kaspersky would also join the Nigerian Computer Society as a supporting member.

Under the MoU, both parties will share technical information, threat intelligence, and data feeds on cyberattacks, while Kaspersky will advise NITDA in developing frameworks and standards for safeguarding Nigeria’s critical information infrastructure.

The agreement builds on earlier discussions at GITEX Africa in Morocco and complements other cybersecurity collaborations Kaspersky has forged with Nigerian institutions, including the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

Both organizations pledged to begin implementation immediately, with a focus on proactive measures to counter emerging cyber threats and ensure a safer digital future for Nigeria.