Emamuzo Iboma
The Committee of Chief Information Security Officers of Nigerian Financial Institutions (CCISONFI) has urged the integration of cybersecurity education into Nigeria’s national curriculum to build a resilient future workforce. Speaking at its annual conference in Uyo, themed “Cyber Resilience in a Disruptive World,” CCISONFI Chairman Mr. Festus Amede emphasised the urgent need for vigilance in the financial sector amid escalating cyber threats.
“The disruptions we face today have become the new normal,” Amede stated. “But they also present an opportunity—an opportunity to rethink how we secure our systems, train our personnel, update policies, and foster stronger collaborations across financial and security agencies.” He further advocated for cybersecurity education to be embedded in Nigeria’s schools, asserting, “The next generation of defenders is already here—they just need the right tools and mentorship.”
Cybersecurity expert Shibu Thomas, the CTO of US-based Everfox, highlighted the importance of robust security measures in his conference paper, “From Trust to Threat: Navigating Insider Risks Amid Global Instability.” He stressed the dynamic nature of cyber threats and the need for continuous innovation and cooperation to stay ahead of cybercriminals. Thomas revealed that Everfox has developed specialised software solutions to combat insider threats in financial institutions, government agencies, and military organisations.
In his address, Mr. Musa Jimoh, Director of Payment System Policy at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), underscored the significance of vigilance and cybersecurity awareness. “Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their techniques,” he noted. “Cybersecurity must become part of our DNA—something we live by at home, in the office, and within our communities. Our country’s strength lies in protecting its critical financial and military data. Once compromised, our sovereignty is at risk.”
Jimoh outlined the CBN’s efforts to safeguard Nigeria’s financial ecosystem, including regulations and frameworks designed to encourage institutions to adopt best cybersecurity practices.
Additionally, Mr. Chukwuma Ulu Udensi, CEO of Infodata Professional Services, remarked on the timeliness of CCISONFI’s focus on cybersecurity, emphasising that malicious actors are actively seeking vulnerable systems to attack.
The conference highlighted the critical importance of integrating cybersecurity awareness and education across all sectors to protect Nigeria’s financial stability and national security.
