October 2, 2025 Government
Cybersecurity is no longer an IT issue alone. It is a national security priority. Around the world, governments are experiencing rising levels of ransomware, identity abuse, and supply-chain compromises. In Nigeria, where public services are rapidly digitizing, the stakes are especially high. Every breach risks eroding citizen trust, disrupting essential services, and exposing sensitive data.
Recent attacks on critical infrastructure globally underscore the reality: ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) are attractive targets. Their legacy systems, budget constraints, and skills gaps create vulnerabilities that cybercriminals are quick to exploit. Nigeria is not immune. As public sector data becomes digitized and interconnected, the country must move from reactive defenses to proactive, zero-trust cybersecurity models.
The Current Threat Landscape
The challenges are multifaceted. Many agencies rely on legacy IT systems that were not built with modern security requirements in mind. Flat networks make it easier for attackers to move laterally once they breach an entry point. Identity theft and phishing attacks exploit weaknesses in staff awareness and outdated authentication systems.
Meanwhile, ransomware gangs and state-sponsored actors are becoming more sophisticated. They target critical systems healthcare, utilities, financial regulators knowing that service disruption pressures governments into paying ransoms. Supply-chain attacks add another layer of complexity: vulnerabilities hidden in third-party software updates or vendor systems can cascade into government operations without warning.
Global Lessons in Zero-Trust
Governments across the globe are responding by pivoting to zero-trust security architectures. Zero-trust is not a single technology but a mindset: assume no user, device, or network is trusted by default. Access is granted only when verified, continuously monitored, and limited to the bare minimum required.
For Nigeria, adopting zero-trust means modernizing identity and access management (IAM), deploying multi-factor authentication (MFA), segmenting networks into smaller zones, and enforcing least-privilege access. This must be accompanied by real-time monitoring and continuous verification of every request, whether it comes from inside the ministry or outside.
Countries like the United States have mandated zero-trust adoption for federal agencies by specific deadlines, linking cybersecurity investments to broader digital transformation programs. Estonia, a pioneer in digital government, has paired strong identity management with resilient backup systems that ensure continuity even during cyber incidents. These examples highlight the need for a roadmap that balances policy, process, and technology.
AI and Incident Readiness
Technology alone cannot close the gap. Agencies must build operational resilience through well-drilled incident response processes. Security operations centers (SOCs) powered by AI can enhance threat detection by spotting anomalies faster than human teams. However, these SOCs must be paired with tabletop exercises that simulate ransomware or supply-chain breaches, ensuring leadership and staff know exactly how to respond.
Public agencies should also extend cybersecurity readiness to critical infrastructure and operational technology (OT) systems (power grids, water supply, and transportation networks). A breach in these areas has cascading national consequences. Coordinated drills involving multiple ministries and private partners can build a culture of readiness.
Supply-Chain Security and Standards
Another critical area is supply-chain security. As agencies rely more on third-party software, cloud providers, and vendors, the risk of hidden vulnerabilities grows. Adopting software bill of materials (SBOM) requirements and conducting regular audits of vendor security practices are essential. By insisting on transparency from technology providers, government can mitigate risks before they reach critical systems.
Advantages of Strengthening Cybersecurity
Investing in modern cybersecurity practices brings several benefits:
- Reduced Breach Impact: Even if attackers penetrate one system, segmentation and zero-trust measures limit damage.
- Faster Recovery: Incident-ready teams supported by AI-driven tools recover more quickly, minimizing service disruption.
- Compliance and Trust: Citizens gain confidence that their data is protected, reinforcing the legitimacy of e-governance initiatives.
- International Partnerships: Strong cyber practices make Nigeria a more reliable partner in cross-border digital projects and global trade.
Risks and Barriers
Cybersecurity transformation is not without hurdles. Replacing legacy IAM systems and segmenting networks can be costly and complex. Risk-averse organizational cultures may resist change, leading to “cyber fatigue” among staff. Moreover, Nigeria faces a global skills shortage in cybersecurity, making it difficult to recruit and retain qualified professionals.
Nigeria’s Roadmap for Action
To overcome these barriers, Nigeria should prioritize a phased roadmap:
- Policy and Mandates: Set clear deadlines for MDAs to adopt multi-factor authentication, IAM modernization, and network segmentation.
- Capacity Building: Develop targeted training programs for government CIOs, CISOs, and IT staff, supported by partnerships with universities and private sector firms.
- Incident Preparedness: Institutionalize tabletop exercises across ministries, involving both technical teams and policy leaders.
- Vendor Accountability: Mandate SBOMs and vendor security attestations as part of government procurement.
- Resilient Infrastructure: Expand cybersecurity protection to cover both digital systems and critical national infrastructure.
Conclusion
In the digital age, cybersecurity is the foundation of trust in government. Citizens will only embrace digital services if they are confident their data is safe and resilient systems can withstand attack. By moving from playbooks to practice, turning strategies into daily routines Nigeria can safeguard its digital transformation and set a standard for public sector cybersecurity in Africa.