At the annual Committee of Chief Information Security Officers of Nigerian Financial Institutions (CCISONFI) conference held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, cybersecurity leaders and stakeholders called for intensified collaboration to combat the rising tide of cybercrime.
Under the theme “Cyber Resilience in a Disruptive World,” CCISONFI Chairman Mr. Festus Amede opened the conference by emphasizing the urgent need for a serious, holistic approach to cybersecurity—from system design to boardroom decisions.
“The conference presents an opportunity for all stakeholders to rethink how we secure our systems, train our personnel, update policies and processes, and foster stronger partnerships with financial and security agencies,” Mr. Amede stated. He also advocated for integrating cybersecurity education into Nigeria’s curriculum, noting that “the next generation of defenders is already here—they just need the right tools and mentorship.”
Calls for Cyber Resilience and Cooperation
Keynote speaker Mr. Musa Jimoh, Director of Payment System Policy at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), urged participants to embed cyber resilience into their defense frameworks to effectively counter growing cyber threats. He highlighted the critical importance of protecting financial and military data as vital assets of any nation.
Representing the National Cyber Coordination Security Centre (NIGCERT) under the Office of the National Security Adviser, Daniel Onyekpeze reinforced the need for strong collaboration among stakeholders to build collective resilience against cyberattacks and criminal activity.
Also addressing the conference, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), warned that cyber threats are escalating at an unprecedented pace, posing significant challenges for organizations seeking to safeguard their data. He stressed that cyber resilience is no longer optional but essential for business survival in 2025.
Law Enforcement’s Role and Progress
The Police Commissioner in charge of the Nigeria Police Force Cyber Crime Centre, Ifeanyi Henry Uche, called on Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) to proactively report cyber incidents, including insider threats. He revealed that in 2024, 508 cybercrime cases were reported, resulting in 751 arrests and the recovery of 8.8 billion naira from cybercriminals.
Emerging Challenges and Expert Insights
In a presentation titled “Innovating With AI Responsibly, Securely and Ethically,” AI governance and data privacy specialist Mr. Tahir Latif discussed both the opportunities and risks of generative AI. While AI can enhance productivity and insights, it is vulnerable to misuse, bias, and breaches that threaten trust. He urged cybersecurity professionals to develop innovative defenses against evolving AI-driven cyber threats.
Cybersecurity expert Sunny MacDickson Samuel, delivering a talk titled “How CISOs Can Sleep Well at Night?”, challenged CISOs to rigorously test their systems against intrusions. He cautioned that many networks remain vulnerable due to outdated information security practices, leaving them exposed to attacks and infiltration.
Diverse Participation and Broad Agenda
The conference drew participants from across Nigeria and beyond, showcasing a wide range of expertise. Other notable presentations included:
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“Fighting Financial Fraud Using AI” by Ziv Cohen
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“Cyber Resilience” by Rex Mafiana, CEO of Flexi Group
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“From Trust to Threat: Navigating Insider Risks Amid Global Instability” by Shibu Thomas, CFO of Everfox, USA
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“Cyberfraud Fusion: The Future of Digital Security and Fraud Prevention” by Rebekah Moody
