NITDA, Partners Train Nigerian Women to Strengthen Cybersecurity Workforce - Nigerian Communications Week

Kindly share this post National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has launched a specialised training programme aimed at empowering Nigerian women with cybersecurity skills and increasing their participation in the country’s growing digital security workforce. NITDA The training, tagged “Cyber for Women”, was organised by NITDA in collaboration with Women in Cybersecurity and held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 in Abuja. Speaking at the event, NITDA’s Director of Cybersecurity, Mohammed Lawan Ahmed, represented by Ayodele Bakare, described the programme as a deliberate effort to position Nigerian women at the forefront of the country’s digital security ecosystem. Ahmed said the initiative was designed not merely as a training session 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 programme underscores the growing role of women in the global digital revolution and highlights the need to equip them with the necessary skills 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 for 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 aims to provide participants with knowledge, practical tools and collaboration opportunities necessary to thrive in the cybersecurity space. “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 reflects their readiness to tackle 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 evolving cybersecurity risks,” he said. The Cyber for Women training forms part of NITDA’s broader efforts to build local capacity, promote digital inclusion and strengthen Nigeria’s cybersecurity workforce. Kindly share this post RELATED TOPICS: MOHAMMED LAWAN AHMED NATIONAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT AGENCY NITDA UP NEXT Banks, Offices to Close for Thursday and Friday for Eid-el-Fitr DON'T MISS Lawyer Drags FG Court over Controversial Health Data Sharing Agreement with US Ugo Onwuaso Ugo Onwuaso is an ICT enthusiast. He believes technology should be used for general good. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree from the Lagos state University. Dear Reader, Your support matters. But we believe that technology makes life more exciting and helps improve the lives of people around Nigeria and indeed the world. That is why, we have devoted our energy to independent reportage of technology and finance and how they affect lives. Our incisive and analytical view of how technology news affects the daily life help individuals and organizations make up their minds. Quality journalism costs money. Today, we're asking that you support us to do more. Kindly support our effort to deliver technology and finance journalism to everyone in the world. Donate as little as N1,000. Bank transfers can be made to: UBA Plc 1017156876 Communication Week Media Ltd GENERAL NEWS NigComSat-1R, Nigeria’s Only Satellite to Expire this Year Published 58 minutes ago on March 18, 2026 By Ebere Melum-Nwogbo Kindly share this post NigComSat-1R, a Nigerian geostationary communications satellite will outlive its usefulness this year, meaning that the satellite will expire anytime now. NigComSat-1R was launched by China Great Wall Industry Corporation (CGWIC) for Nigeria on December 19, 2011, as a replacement for the failed NigComSat-1. NigComSat-1 which was put in the orbit in May 2007, was de-orbited in November 2008 following the development of power fault. It was replaced with NigComSat-1R by the same company and has a lifespan of 15 years. Positioned at 42.5°E, it provides C, Ku, Ka, and L-band services across Africa, Europe, and parts of Asia for broadcasting and internet. Should the satellite fail, support for television broadcasting, internet connectivity, and secure communications for government and private sectors, may be affected. The satellite is currently been controlled from China since 2019 following technical issues with the Abuja control station. NigComSat-1R is currently the only active communications satellite managed by NIGCOMSAT Limited, though it operates alongside other Nigerian observation satellites.     Kindly share this post CONTINUE READING GENERAL NEWS Banks, Offices to Close for Thursday and Friday for Eid-el-Fitr Published 58 minutes ago on March 18, 2026 By Ebere Melum-Nwogbo Kindly share this post Federal government has declared Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Fitr celebration. Consequently, banks, schools and offices nationwide will be shut for the two days. The declaration was made by Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of Interior, on behalf of the government, according to a statement issued on Tuesday, by Magdalene Ajani, permanent secretary of the ministry. Eid-el-Fitr, meaning ‘festival of breaking the fast,’ is one of the most important feasts in Islam. The festival marks the end of Ramadan, a sacred month of fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection observed by Muslims worldwide. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs as an act of devotion to Allah. Eid-el-Fitr is a time of joy and gratitude, beginning with a special congregational prayer at mosques and open prayer grounds. It is also marked by feasting, gift-giving, and charitable acts, particularly the giving of Zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory charity given to the less privileged before the Eid prayer. Congratulating Muslim faithful on the successful completion of Ramadan, Tunji-Ojo urged them to sustain the virtues of love, generosity, peace, tolerance, and sacrifice imbibed during the period. He also called on Nigerians to use the festive season to pray for the peace, unity, and continued development of the country. The minister further encouraged citizens to celebrate responsibly and extend acts of kindness to the less privileged, in line with the spirit of the season. He reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting national unity and peaceful coexistence among all Nigerians. Kindly share this post CONTINUE READING GENERAL NEWS Lawyer Drags FG Court over Controversial Health Data Sharing Agreement with US Published 1 day ago on March 17, 2026 By Ebere Melum-Nwogbo Kindly share this post Okpi Bernard Adaafu, a legal practitioner, has dragged the federal government of Nigeria before the Federal High Court in Abuja, challenging the legality of a controversial health data sharing agreement between Nigeria and the United States of America. The suit names the President of Nigeria, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Senate President of Nigeria, and the Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives as defendants. In the originating summons filed before the court, Adaafu is asking the court to determine whether the bilateral health cooperation Memorandum of Understanding signed between Nigeria and the United States violates the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens, particularly their rights to privacy and protection of personal data. According to court documents, the agreement, signed on December 19, 2025, permits the collection and transfer of sensitive health information of Nigerians to the United States. The data reportedly includes medical records, blood samples, pathogen testing information, and DNA or genetic sequencing data. The plaintiff argued that while only a summarized version of the agreement has been made public, a related Specimen Sharing Agreement allegedly obliges Nigeria to provide biological samples and related data to the United States within five days of request and could remain in force for up to 25 years. He contended that such an arrangement, if implemented, would violate the National Health Act 2014, which guarantees the confidentiality of patients’ medical records, as well as the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, regulating the processing and cross-border transfer of personal data. The suit further argued that the agreement breaches Section 37 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, which guarantees the privacy of citizens. Adaafu also raised concerns about statements suggesting that the programme would provide substantial support to Christian faith-based healthcare institutions. According to him, the inclusion or perceived emphasis on religious affiliation within a national healthcare framework is unnecessary, constitutionally questionable, and capable of triggering avoidable social tension in a multi-faith society such as Nigeria. He argued that healthcare interventions funded through international cooperation must remain neutral, inclusive, and accessible to all Nigerians regardless of religion, ethnicity, or social background. Another issue raised in the suit is the alleged exclusion of the National Assembly of Nigeria from the process. The plaintiff maintained that international agreements with significant national implications must undergo legislative scrutiny and approval before implementation. Among the reliefs sought, Adaafu asked the court to issue an order prohibiting discriminatory agreements based on religion, ethnicity, or other protected characteristics. He also requested a declaration that the agreement violates both the National Health Act 2014 and the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023. In addition, the plaintiff is seeking an order suspending the implementation of the agreement, which is scheduled to commence on April 1, 2026. Explaining the reason for filing the suit, Adaafu said he decided to approach the court because of the potential implications of the agreement on the privacy, sovereignty, and constitutional rights of more than 200 million Nigerians. He noted that the issues raised in the suit deserve public awareness and national discourse, stressing that transparency and accountability are necessary in matters involving citizens’ sensitive medical and genetic information. 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