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Cyber Security: NITDA, CIFCFIN to Collaborate on Digital Forensics

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L-R: Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency and Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbak, CIFCFIN’s President, at NITDA Corporate Headquarters, Abuja during a courtesy call.
L-R: Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency and Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbak, CIFCFIN’s President, at NITDA Corporate Headquarters, Abuja during a courtesy call.
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Kashifu Inuwa, director-general, National Information Technology Development Agency, has assured the President of Chartered Institute of Forensic and Certified Fraud Investigator of Nigeria (CIFCFIN) of the Agency’s readiness to collaborate with the Institute on digital forensics in order to reinvigorate the tech ecosystem and mitigate cybercrimes in the digital space.

L-R: Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency and Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbak, CIFCFIN’s President, at NITDA Corporate Headquarters, Abuja during a courtesy call.

L-R: Kashifu Inuwa, Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency and Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbak, CIFCFIN’s President, at NITDA Corporate Headquarters, Abuja during a courtesy call.

Inuwa gave the assurance while receiving CIFCFIN’s President, Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbak and his team at NITDA Corporate Headquarters, Abuja.

The DG who decried the dangerous impact cybercrimes have on the economy of a country, organisations and individuals, stressed the need to build capacity for protection against the unscrupulous elements.

“Sometimes in our efforts to digitise services, we lose sight of cybersecurity and only think about security when there is a problem, this shouldn’t be the case, we should always design or digitise with security in mind in whatever we do – that is the only way we can be safe”, Inuwa advised.

Inuwa also stated that, NITDA has been proactive in taking critical measures toward protecting the cyber space through creating awareness, capacity building and infrastructure.

“Although we are doing our modest best in this regard, we know we cannot succeed in isolation, this explains why we welcome collaborations and work with key stakeholders – individuals, organisations, and other Sovereign Nations to achieve the best result”, the DG noted.

While maintaining that perpetrators of cybercrimes spend a lot of money on research and thrive on information as well as powerful tools to launch attacks, Inuwa alluded to the fact that an organised defence to counter the attacks is non-negotiable.

“We invested in other technologies such as the Digital Fabrication Lab (FABLAB 1.0) and other labs around the country but we are yet to build a Cybersecurity Laboratory. “So, when we met the last time, I figured that this would be an opportunity to collaborate in order to build the Cybersecurity Lab.”

“We already have in mind where it will be situated but we will need all relevant stakeholders to be part of it so that the design and implementation of the centre can be fast tracked,” he added.

The DG informed the visiting team that whereas NITDA’s investment in the project would be done from next year, the centre would not be named as Forensics Lab but would also incorporate Cybersecurity into its nomenclature to cover other important areas of interest.

While responding to other specific areas of collaboration requests put forward by the leader of the team, which included, Training and Certification Programmes, Research and Development, Information Sharing and

Collaboration Platforms, Policy Development and Advocacy, Joint Workshops and Conferences, Standardisation and Accreditation among others, Inuwa affirmed that the Agency engages in a lot of scholarships not only for MSc. & Ph.D. but also in the area of certification in partnership with Coursera.

According to the DG, there have been different Cybersecurity Training Programmes held where Staff of Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) were engaged in both hybrid and physical trainings, adding that this year, thousands of Nigerians have so far been trained both on the Cisco Academy and Coursera platforms.

Inuwa expressed the hope that the collaboration will bring forth improvements in the cybersecurity architecture of the tech ecosystem.

He congratulated the group for the Institute’s Establishment Act, 2022 which was successful signed into law on 23rd Dec, 2022.

Meanwhile, the President of Chartered Institute of Forensic and Certified Fraud Investigator of Nigeria (CIFCFIN), Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbak who spoke earlier highlighted the Institute’s desire to partner with NITDA on Digital Forensics and Cybersecurity.

Apart from already mentioned requests, Dr. Gashinbak also appealed for support with computers for the Nigerian College of Forensics and Fraud Investigators (NCFFI), technical assistance to deploy their combined e-portal and e-learning platforms as well as Postgraduate Scheme/Scholarship.

The Institute President however pledged the commitment of his Organisation in the discharge of its duties towards the success of the forged collaboration.

 

 

 


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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

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20 Years of Digital Leadership: Layer3’s Legacy and the Road Ahead

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In 2005, few could have predicted that a small Nigerian technology company would evolve into one of Africa’s most trusted IT infrastructure, cloud, and cybersecurity brands. Today, Layer3 celebrates 20 years of doing just that, transforming IT from a technical necessity into a strategic advantage for enterprises, governments, and innovators across the continent.

The Foundation: Trust Earned, Not Assumed

The Layer3 story begins where every great enterprise story should, with trust.

Over two decades, Layer3 has earned a reputation for reliability in a sector defined by change. Across multiple industries: finance, energy, health, government, and telco, clients have turned to Layer3 not only for solutions, but for peace of mind.

As Layer3’s CEO, Oyaje Idoko, succinctly puts it, “Uptime, SLAs, fast response, fixing issues permanently, that’s what real IT service means, that’s what we built Layer3 to deliver. However, it’s not just about systems, it’s about people. Our team is the backbone of that promise: engineers, support staff, and every Layeron who shows up every day to make excellence a standard, not an exception.”

From deploying core network infrastructure, distributed branch networks, and disaster recovery solutions for banks, telcos, and large enterprises, to ensuring uninterrupted cloud infrastructure for Africa’s fastest-growing startups, Layer3 has become synonymous with business continuity at enterprise scale.

The Powerhouse: Innovation Without Compromise

While trust laid the foundation, innovation became the fuel. In 2019, Layer3 launched Layer3Cloud, Nigeria’s first locally owned enterprise-grade cloud platform. At the time, many questioned whether Nigerian businesses were ready to migrate from on-premise infrastructure or to host their data locally. Five years later, Layer3Cloud is powering banks, fintechs, large enterprises, and governments, delivering secure, elastic, and scalable compute power at home.

Beyond cloud, Layer3 has continued to evolve with the times:

  • Fiber infrastructure rollouts that connect enterprises and residences to the future.
  • Enterprise-grade zero-trust cybersecurity frameworks deployed across financial and public institutions.
  • AI-driven and software-defined network solutions through partnerships with global OEMs like Juniper Networks, HPE, Cisco, and Fortinet.

Behind every innovation is a team of engineers whose brilliance is matched only by their resilience.

Reflecting on Layer3’s journey, Oyaje Idoko highlighted the often-overlooked role of technical talent, “Behind every seamless connection and resolved incident is a network engineer who’s worked through the night, responded to a 3am call, and made sure systems stay up when it matters most. Shake their hand and ask them about routing, about switching. These are the unsung heroes powering Africa’s digital future. Indeed, Layer3’s engineers don’t just build networks, they build nations.”

The Shield: Defending Africa’s Digital Economy

In today’s world, trust and innovation mean nothing without security and at Layer3, cybersecurity isn’t just a service, it’s a mindset.

“We’ve built an elite team of cyber defenders, and we’re still growing. We defend banks, telcos, governments and organizations of all types and sizes. If you’re in Africa and serious about protecting your business, you should be speaking to Layer3”, says Godwin Michaels, Layer3 CTO.

Layer3 is at the frontline of defending Africa’s most sensitive data. From real-time threat intelligence and incident response to managed SIEM and penetration testing, the company is quietly but forcefully defending Nigeria’s digital borders.

This commitment has earned Layer3 the loyalty of institutions where downtime isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s a national risk.

Layer3 has also been recognized multiple times over the years as a leading player in the IT space across Africa.

Two Decades of Impact: Highlights at a Glance

Year     Milestone

2005    Layer3 founded in Abuja, Nigeria as a Virtual Network Operator

2007    Expanded to Lagos and rolled out last-mile fiber infrastructure across Abuja and Lagos

2008    Expanded into enterprise networking and managed services

2015    Launched cybersecurity division

2019    Launched Layer3Cloud, Nigeria’s premier local cloud platform

2021    Rolled out Layer3Fiber, an FTTH service expanding broadband to homes and small businesses

2025    Celebrates 20 years with thousands of projects completed across sub-Saharan Africa and counting

Shaping Africa’s Digital Future: The Road Ahead for Layer3

As Layer3 enters its third decade, its sights are set higher: expansion into new African markets, hybrid cloud deployments, AI-driven network infrastructure, digital public infrastructure solutions, and most importantly, developing the next generation of African tech talent.

According to Oyaje, “Layer3 was built on the belief that African businesses deserve world-class technology delivered by people who understand the terrain. That vision hasn’t changed, it’s only gotten bigger.”

From a startup with a dream to a national asset securing the future, Layer3 has become more than a technology company, it’s a legacy of excellence.

To our clients, partners, regulators, and Layerons, thank you for 20 years of belief.

Here’s to 20 more years of trust, innovation, and impact.

We are Layer3. We deliver peace of mind.


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Y’ello Care’s 21-Day Campaign Bridges Digital Divide for Thousands Nationwide

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In a nation where the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector contributed a 19.78% to Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Q2 2024, the recently concluded Y’ello Care initiative, which ran from June 1 to June 21 2025, has demonstrated how digital tools can transform lives at the grassroots level.

This year’s program, themed ‘Connecting at the Roots,’ directly aligns with Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy 2020-2030, which seeks to leverage digital technology for comprehensive economic growth.

Y’ello Care’s focused efforts are crucial in bridging the existing digital divide, especially given that while mobile phone penetration has reached 84%, equitable access and digital literacy remain key challenges for many of Nigeria’s over 163 million internet users.

At the core of the employee volunteerism initiative was a comprehensive approach to digital inclusion. The program delivered extensive training and empowerment sessions covering vital areas such as digital literacy, artificial intelligence, financial inclusion, content creation and monetisation, personal branding and employability.

A significant component of the initiative involved the donation of essential technological resources. Over 86 desktop computers and 133 learning devices were distributed, providing tangible tools for education and skill development.

Furthermore, the deployment of over 400 connectivity tools, including routers and MiFi devices, has significantly enhanced internet access, laying the groundwork for sustainable digital engagement.

To complement these efforts, thousands of branded kits, educational supplies, and business support items were also distributed, directly aiding beneficiaries in their learning and entrepreneurial pursuits.

These tangible contributions directly address the infrastructure gaps that hinder digital inclusion, particularly in underserved communities.

Solar power infrastructure was installed in selected schools, ensuring sustainable access to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) even in areas with unreliable power grids.

The impact of this 21-day intensive program is evident in its impressive reach. The initiative directly benefited over 8,932 individuals across diverse communities, schools, and health centres. The Medical Official of Ikoyi/Obalende Local Council Development Area (one of the beneficiaries of the Y’ello Care programme), Dr Akintayo Akintoba Adebayo, expressed profound admiration for the recent donation by the company. He said he was “speechless” at the positive developments unfolding daily in the area and noted that the donated items were essential medical supplies poised to significantly enhance healthcare delivery in the local government.

This undertaking was made possible by the dedication of over 1,145 staff and volunteer facilitators, who committed more than 3,947 volunteer hours across 18 divisions and national sessions.

Their collective efforts underscore the power of human connection in driving digital transformation and creating lasting positive change.

In conclusion, the Y’ello Care initiative stands as a powerful testament to the potential of collaborative efforts in addressing societal challenges. By combining technological innovation with dedicated human support, this and similar programmes bridge digital divides and empower countless individuals, fostering a more inclusive and digitally literate society from the ground up.


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Court to Decides on 9Mobile Ownership Tussle September 24

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Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed September 24 to rule on several applications in the case of Abubakar Ismaila Isa, a businessman, who claims that his 43 million shares were allegedly transferred to Emerging Markets Telecommunication Services Limited, operating under the trade name 9mobile, without his consent.

Court to Decides on 9Mobile Ownership Tussle September 24

The matter before Justice Mohammed Umar on Wednesday, was filed by Isa’s legal team led by Femi Atteh, SAN, in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1971/2024.

The plaintiff seeks an order declaring him the “beneficial owner of the 43,000,000 (forty-three million) ordinary shares held in trust for him by the 1st Defendant (Seltrix Limited) in the capital of the 3rd Defendant (Teleology Nigeria Limited).”

He accused Seltrix Limited of purportedly transferring the said shares to 9mobile without his consent, resulting in the alleged illegal change of control of 9mobile to LH Telecommunication Limited by the Corporate Affairs Commission and Nigerian Communications Commission.

Joined as defendants in the suit are Seltrix Limited, Hayatu Hassan Hadeija, Teleology Nigeria Limited, Mohammed Edewor, Emerging Markets Telecommunications Limited, CAC, NCC, LH Telecommunication Limited and General Theophilus Yakubu Danjuma (Rtd) (first to ninth defendants).

A counter-affidavit sworn to and filed on behalf of Seltrix Limited, Hadejia had described the plaintiff’s application as a reckless abuse of the court process.

He urged the court to dismiss the application and award substantial costs against the plaintiff.

He also demanded concrete evidence of any trusteeship arrangement involving him or Seltrix Limited concerning the alleged N43 million ordinary shares in the capital of the third defendant, Teleology Nigeria Limited, or any matter related to the suit.

Hadejia stated that the plaintiff’s motion, dated 27 January but filed on 28 January, was a fabrication designed to mislead the court.

At the resumed hearing, Michael Aôndoakaa, SAN, counsel for Teleology, 9mobile, and others, drew the court’s attention to his preliminary objections, asking the court to strike out the case for “being statute-barred” as it was filed out of the stipulated time required.

 


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