Government to set up national cyber security taskforce in response to growing online dangers

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to set up a national cybersecurity coordination council, a move aimed at bolstering Nigeria's defenses against the escalating threat of cyber attacks.

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This initiative, as announced by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, will establish a platform for collaboration and information sharing among various stakeholders.

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The proposed council is being driven by the Communications Minister, Mr Bosun Tijani, with the goal of enhancing Nigeria's response to complex cyber incidents that have disrupted operations in key sectors.

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According to the ministry, the council will bring together a range of stakeholders, including chief information security officers, cybersecurity professionals, technology firms, law enforcement agencies, and government institutions, as a non-statutory body.

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The ministry described the proposed council as a platform designed to facilitate coordination, information sharing, and cooperation among institutions responsible for advancing Nigeria's cybersecurity posture.

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The council will also provide advisory support to the federal government on strategies and frameworks needed to strengthen national cyber resilience, addressing the need for improved cyber defense.

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The decision to establish the council follows a series of recent cyber incidents that posed significant risks to customers and disrupted operations across major private and public institutions, highlighting the increasingly sophisticated nature of cyber threats.

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The government will work with stakeholders, including the office of the national security adviser, to promote partnerships and improve cyber defense frameworks across various sectors.

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This approach reflects the government's understanding that modern cyber threats require a collective defense model, trusted threat intelligence sharing, and multi-stakeholder coordination to effectively mitigate risks.