The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has outlined why the active involvement of women is essential to the resilience of Nigeria’s digital security landscape.
In a move to bridge the gender gap in the tech sector, the agency launched “Cyber for Women,” a specialized training programme designed to equip Nigerian women with high-level cybersecurity skills and integrate them into the country’s professional digital workforce.
Organized in collaboration with Women in Cybersecurity, the event was held last week in Abuja. Speaking on behalf of NITDA’s Director of Cybersecurity, Mohammed Lawan Ahmed, Ayodele Bakare emphasized that the initiative is a deliberate move to position women as leaders, not just participants.
“Today’s programme is not just another training but a strategic investment in the future of Nigeria’s digital security landscape and the world at large. This time, women are intentionally positioned at the centre of the approach,” Ahmed stated.
NITDA highlighted that while cybersecurity is a fundamental pillar of global digital transformation, women remain significantly underrepresented in the field despite soaring demand for professionals.
Key objectives of the “Cyber for Women” initiative include:
- Providing practical tools and technical knowledge to navigate complex cyber threats.
- Moving women from the sidelines to becoming architects of the digital revolution.
- Creating opportunities for women to network and thrive within the cybersecurity ecosystem.
The agency noted that the enthusiastic participation of women in the program reflects a readiness to tackle emerging cyber risks head-on. By building local capacity and promoting digital inclusion, NITDA aims to create a more robust and diverse workforce capable of safeguarding Nigeria’s evolving digital infrastructure.