Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has launched a specialised programme aimed at equipping Nigerian women with cybersecurity skills and strengthening their participation in the country’s growing digital security workforce.
The training programme, tagged “Cyber for Women,” was organised by NITDA in collaboration with Women in Cybersecurity and held on March 10, 2026, in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, NITDA’s Director of Cybersecurity, Mohammed Lawan Ahmed, who was represented by Ayodele Bakare, described the initiative as a deliberate step to position Nigerian women at the forefront of the country’s digital security ecosystem.
Ahmed said the programme was designed not merely as a training exercise but as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s digital future and global cybersecurity resilience.
“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, and this time women are intentionally positioned at the centre of the approach,” he said.
According to him, the initiative underscores the growing role of women in the global digital revolution and highlights the need to equip them with the skills required to contribute meaningfully to cybersecurity.
“Today is a declaration that the women of Nigeria are not bystanders in the digital revolution; they are its architects,” he added.
Ahmed noted that cybersecurity has become a critical pillar of digital transformation in an increasingly technology-driven world.
He pointed out that while global demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to rise, women remain significantly underrepresented in the field.
To address this gap, he said the training programme aims to provide participants with knowledge, practical tools, and collaboration opportunities necessary to thrive in the cybersecurity sector.
“Our objective is clear: to empower Nigerian women in cybersecurity with knowledge, tools, and collaboration opportunities,” he said.
He added that the participation of women in the training demonstrates their readiness to confront emerging cyber threats and contribute to safeguarding Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
“Your presence here today signifies commitment and readiness for the ever-evolving digital age and its cybersecurity risks,” he noted.
The Cyber for Women training forms part of NITDA’s broader strategy to build local capacity, promote digital inclusion, and strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity workforce.
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