General News
Nigeria Cyberspace Neglected, Unprotected Territory- Onifade
![Opeyemi Onifade, president, Information Systems Audit and Control Association [ISACA] Abuja chapter,](https://www.nigeriacommunicationsweek.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Opeyemi Onifade_0.jpg)
As the use of IT becomes pervasive, government, large corporations and private organizations are daily combating cyber security.
In this encounter with Opeyemi Onifade, president, Information Systems Audit and Control Association [ISACA] Abuja chapter, examine the trend. Excerpts.
How Big is Cyber Security Threats in Nigeria
Nigeria as a member of the global society and the country cannot be insulated from the opportunities and threats of globalization. Now, the use of IT is pervasive.
Many organizations in Nigeria are leveraging on the Internet to transact and interact with customers, employees, suppliers and partners. The internet has become imperative to address our collective capacity to respond to the inevitability of cyber threats, especially Advanced Persistent Threats [APT].
Primarily, the purpose of the majority of APTs is to extract information from systems—this could be critical research, enterprise intellectual property or government information, among other things.
Talking about the shift in the motive for hacking (i.e. compromising the security profile of information systems), you will find that there is an evolution in the motivation for attacks.
Motivation for attacks can be explained as being attacked because you are on the Internet and you have vulnerabilities. Or because you are on the Internet and you have information of value; or because your former or current employee seeks financial gain from selling your intellectual property (IP) or because of who you are, what you do or the value of your IP.
And these include state-sponsored attacks and corporate espionage. According to recent research, Cybersecurity is a top global concern. 82% of enterprises are expected to experience a cyber incident in 2015.
Businesses and Government Preparing for the Current Threat
Financial industry players like banks have strengthened their cyber resilience through implementation of adequate technology, adoption of process-oriented good practices and standards, and engagement of right skills and competencies.
However, our government needs to consider a special vehicle to establish the framework to address cybersecurity issues strategically, tactically and operationally.
This is because cybesecurity is a security issue, in fact a national security concern.
We need to understand that we cannot succeed by accident. The cyberspace is now recognized as the fifth domain of warfare in addition to land, air, sea and space.
Unfortunately, in Nigeria, our cyberspace domain is still a neglected and unprotected territory.
Yet, we have come to depend so much on mobile telecommunications, electronic banking and e-commerce for our socioeconomic survival.
In specific terms, there is a need for the government to declare an emergency in the cybersecurity education domain of the country in order to promote cyber security expertise and create a formidable “army” that will be able to ensure effective national cyber defense.
The University Commission needs to update curricula development and accredit information security courses in our tertiary institutions.
Standards Organization of Nigeria needs to domesticate the information security related international standards. NITDA needs to wake up to her responsibilities as the governing body for IT-related security issues in the country.
This is an unfamiliar territory to government bureaucracy and the bureaucrats need to have the humility to collaborate with the professional bodies like ISACA with over 2000 credentialed Nigerian members in the interest of security of the country and wellbeing of her citizens.
Where Does ISACA Fit into all of These?
ISACA provides practical guidance, benchmarks and other effective tools for all enterprises that use information systems.
Through its comprehensive guidance and services, ISACA defines the roles of information systems governance, security, audit and assurance professionals worldwide.
The COBIT framework and the CSX, CISA, CISM, CGEIT and CRISC certifications are ISACA brands respected and used by these professionals for the benefit of their enterprises.
Nigerian banks depend on our members to man their audit, risk, e-business, operations and strategy department. CBN guidelines to the banks require them to use ISACA’s framework to align IT with Business strategy.
To become a member, you are required to register as a professional or student member.
Membership gives you access to vast educational opportunities and international networks.
Members are supported to earn professional credentials upon passing relevant exam and demonstrating verifiable work experience.
ISACA operates three chapters in Nigeria- Abuja, Lagos and Ibadan. There are over 2000 members resident in Nigeria at the last count.
How can ISACA Enable Proven Best Practices to Reduce the Attack Surface, and Mitigate Risks?
For over 40 years, ISACA has promoted trust in, and value from information systems. ISACA has published frameworks and standards related to information assurance, information security, risk management, and corporate governance of IT.
We have been a global thought-leader on these issues.
In 2015, ISACA commenced a skill-based credentialing programme, Cybersecurity nexus CSX to develop and validate cybersecurity competencies.
This programme is in recognition that the most advanced of cyber attacks are done by people and the defense side needs to have adequate competencies to reduce or eliminate opportunities for successful attacks.
ISACA provides access to the knowledge and competencies for cybersecurity in over 180 countries of the world.
ISACA Abuja chapter will be 10 years this year. What are your plans to commemorate this? What are the preparations for the up-coming annual conference?
As part of our contribution to promoting the right use of information technology in the country, ISACA Abuja Nigeria has been hosting annual international conferences. The seventh edition coincides with our 10th anniversary.
This conference theme is “CYBERSECURITY: Aligning Nigeria with the rest of the World”. The Chief Information Security Officer of the City of Atlanta,
USA has accepted our invitation to be the keynote speaker. We are also drawing speakers from other parts of the world and from within the country.
As a social responsible professional body, we shall be donating IT-related books to tertiary institutions and libraries in Abuja.
We have also planned a free seminar for students of tertiary institutions interested in cybersecurity profession.
The platform is meant to provide mentorship to future cybersecurity professionals. To commemorate our 10th anniversary, we will be signing MOU with organizations that believe in our cause to make our cyberspace safe across the country and region.
Nigeria Security Professionals and Requisite Training to Build Strong Core Infrastructure, to Combat Digital Security Threats
According to CISCO, there are over one million unfilled jobs for information security roles worldwide. Another research estimates that more than 35% of enterprises are unable to fill open cyber security positions.
I believe security professionals in Nigeria have not been able to gain the recognition they deserve and so they have not been able to express themselves through hands-on contributions to the economy and national security. Sadly, there is currently an incessant loss of our cyber security professionals to opportunities in the Middle-East economies.
The brain drain will continue until we create an atmosphere to retain these skills. It happened to nursing and medical professionals in the 80’s, it is happening again to our cyber security professionals.
I think there are numerous opportunities for self-development for our professionals, but businesses and all tiers of government must begin to look to our citizens for cyber protection in order to fully engage and truncate the brain drain in the cyber security industry.
I wish to suggest that government agencies and businesses should be involved in sponsoring cybersecurity events for professionals and students.
An example is the cyberlympics organized by ISACA International. President Buhari will need to find a means to drive the cybersecurity agenda for the nation.
Recently the US President issued an executive order on cyber security earlier in the year and the UK government recently made public her National Cyber Security Strategy.
Legislation and Fight Against Security Threats and Cybercrime
Thankfully, the cybercrime bill was passed into law this year and there are attempts by the Office of National Security Adviser to promote a national strategic framework for cybersecurity.
While that is a good step forward, we are still very unserious in providing a legal framework for governing our cyberspace.
I mentioned earlier that our cyberspace is a neglected territory. Our laws should attempt to make Nigeria one of the most secure places to do business.
Until recently, Amazon.com would not ship to Nigeria. Paypal would not do business with Nigeria at all. While these organizations have modified their business models for Nigeria, their service package for Nigeria is still limited.
This means that Nigerians are unable to take full advantage of international e-commerce. For instance, while a Nigerian can pay using the global payment platform, paypal, she cannot receive payment using the same platform.
We need laws that will enable e-business not just punish cyber misdemeanor.
We are hoping that the members of the eight National Assembly will be open to working with experts in non-profit organizations like ISACA to help with research and case studies to make our laws appropriate and relevant to 21st century realities.
What can CISO do to Become very Prominent in Organisations?
The role of a CIO is to create value from the information asset of the organization while a CISO’s role is to preserve the value of the organization’s information asset. Information has become the most important factor of production over land, labour and capital.
Therefore, information security is really about business security. The CEO is the one who will be held accountable for the protection of the most important productive asset of the organization, i.e. the information assets.
He can delegate this responsibility to a CISO but he cannot delegate the accountability. A CISO therefore needs to recognize his role as someone responsible for business resilience and performance. His role is not just to implement controls but also to ingrain the enablers of business strategic outcomes.
General News
Uche Uzoebo, SANEF CEO Makes Case for More Financial Inclusion Strategies Targeting Women
Leveraging digital infrastructure is key to accelerating financial inclusion, especially through a multi-stakeholder approach involving governments, fintechs, telecoms, regulators and even the customers.
According to the World Bank report, a significant portion of the global adult population remains unbanked.
Specifically, 27% of adults globally are considered unbanked, and an additional 50% are underbanked, defined as lacking a credit card, , according to Lucidity Insights.
By investing in awareness, robust digital ID systems, interoperable payment rails, and inclusive policy frameworks, stakeholders can expand access to financial services, particularly in underserved regions, and reduce the global unbanked population significantly.
Stakeholders who gathered at the Regtech Conference 2025 discussed these strategies and more, especially facilitating cross-border payments and investment opportunities across Africa.
The event featured a thought-provoking panel discussion moderated by Uche Uzoebo, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF) Limited.
The panel discussion themed, “From Borders to Bridges: Leveraging Digital Infrastructure to Drive Financial Inclusion through a Multi-Stakeholder Approach”, brought together diverse voices across banking, fintech, policy, and government to explore how digital infrastructure can be annexed to drive financial inclusion.
Uzoebo highlighted how women often face unique challenges in accessing financial services coupled with limited digital literacy and cultural barriers.
She engaged the panelists to discuss targeted interventions aimed at promoting gender inclusivity in the financial sector and effective financial education programs that empower individuals to utilize digital financial services.
Jacqueline Mpare, Head of Agency Banking, Ecobank Group, highlighted how her organization had established a women-focused initiative to provide support to businesses targeted at women and those with women as part of the leadership by providing them with access to finance and non-financial support.
Isa Aliyushata, Regional Advisor, Africa, Corum Group Limited, stressed the need to inculcate financial literacy into the education curriculum to ensure everyone is exposed to the knowledge of financial literacy from a young age.
The panelists include Ajibade Laolu-Adewale, Chief Partnership & Ecosystems Officer, Wema Bank; Gerald Munyaradzi Nyakwawa, Head of Digital Channels, MoneyMart Finance (Private) Limited, Zimbabwe; Dr. Henry Clarke Kisembo, Group Global Lead and Executive Chairman, Development Associates Link International (DALI); Jacqueline Mpare, Head of Agency Banking, Ecobank Group; Jean Jacques Kajuga, Chief Operations Officer, RSwitch Rwanda; and Isa Aliyushata, Regional Advisor, Africa, Corum Group Limited.
The panelists emphasized collaboration, leading by example, speed and legislative alignment, a unified infrastructure payment system, and collaboration between national and regional switchers to allow a low-cost cross-border payment as key to ensuring financial inclusion.
Meanwhile, her organization, Shared Agency Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF), was honored with the title of 2025 Financial Literacy Champion at the RegTech Awards. This prestigious recognition highlights SANEF’s steadfast commitment to promoting financial literacy and enhancing financial inclusion across Nigeria. Through strategic partnerships, the expansion of agent networks nationwide, and impactful educational programs, SANEF continues to equip millions with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions.
General News
Hydrogen, Lagos State Touch Thousands of Business Owners with “Healthy Heart, Healthy Business” Outreach
As part of its continued effort to support the growth and sustainability of Nigerian enterprises, Hydrogen Payment Services Company Limited joined forces with Ikeja Local Government Area and the Office of the Medical Officer of Health to deliver the impactful “Healthy Heart, Healthy Business” outreach on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat.
The initiative successfully engaged a wide range of business owners through a combination of in-person participation and extensive digital awareness campaigns.
Participants benefited from a comprehensive range of free medical screenings, including blood pressure checks, ECGs, malaria and typhoid testing, urinalysis, packed cell volume (PCV), blood sugar monitoring, and more, highlighting the critical connection between good health and business longevity.
Kemi Okusanya, CEO of Hydrogen, commented on the initiative, affirming Hydrogen’s passion for the growth of businesses.
“At Hydrogen, we are deeply committed to the success of Nigerian businesses. As a payment solutions provider, we recognise that healthy entrepreneurs build stronger, more resilient enterprises. This outreach exemplifies our belief in supporting entrepreneurs beyond just payments.”
Demonstrating this responsibility, Hydrogen donated Sphygmomanometers and Glucometers to indigent and high-risk attendees unable to afford this essential health monitoring devices, empowering them to manage their health beyond the outreach.
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have become increasingly important in driving sustainable development across various sectors.
By leveraging the unique strengths of both government institutions and private enterprises, PPPs enable more efficient delivery of services, innovation, and expanded reach. These collaborations foster shared responsibility and resource pooling, making it possible to tackle complex challenges that neither sector could effectively address alone.
Dr. Tawak O.F., Medical Officer of Health for Ikeja, spoke on this, saying, “This partnership with Hydrogen Payment Services Company Limited exemplifies the power of effective public-private collaboration in reaching the heart of our business community.”
“Entrepreneurs often overlook their health while striving for success, but initiatives like this remind us all that good health is an essential part of wealth. We commend Hydrogen for their commitment to not just powering payments, but also powering healthier, more resilient businesses through impactful community engagement,” She added.
Mary, one of the beneficiaries and a merchant in ‘Computer Village’, expressed her gratitude, saying that, “Most of us don’t think about regular hospital checkups. Mainly, because the cost is too high and some things now are not covered by insurance. Today, Hydrogen and Lagos State have brought doctors for free to our doorstep, and we are very grateful.”
Hydrogen’s full team presence at the event reaffirmed the company’s dedication to forging genuine relationships and standing firmly with the business communities it serves.
General News
Tripoint Travels Hosts Pre-GEC Brunch for Nigerian Delegates Ahead of Global Entrepreneurship Congress 2025
In a vibrant celebration of national pride, global relevance, and entrepreneurial drive, Tripoint Travels, the official logistics partner of GEN Nigeria hosted an exclusive pre-congress brunch for Nigerian delegates attending the upcoming Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) 2025.
Held at Tripoint’s Lagos headquarters, the event brought together top entrepreneurs, investors, ecosystem leaders, and government officials, including Dr. Peter Bamkole, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Pan Atlantic University; Dr. Olawale Anifowose, Managing Director of the Global Entrepreneurship Congress Nigeria (GEN Nigeria); Dr. Babangida Ruma from The Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), Mrs. Uche Uzoebo, CEO of the Shared Agent Network Expansion Facilities (SANEF) Limited; Actor and influencer Mr. Umar Gombe; along with other distinguished guests and representatives from various government bodies, all in anticipation of their journey to Indianapolis, Indiana this June.
The Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC), Organized annually by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), the GEC brings together more than 5,000 participants from over 200 countries, including Entrepreneurs, Investors, Policymakers, Researchers, & Support organizations to build stronger entrepreneurial ecosystems worldwide. Since its inception in 2009, the GEC has become a cornerstone of international collaboration and entrepreneurial innovation.
This year’s GEC, hosted in partnership with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), marks the Congress’ return to the United States after 16 years. Held in Indianapolis from June 2–5, 2025, the event aims to spotlight Indiana’s pro-growth business climate while strengthening global ties that promote sustainable economic development and innovation.
The brunch allowed the delegation to connect in an intimate and engaging setting, sharing expectations, ideas, and goals ahead of one of the most impactful convening in the global entrepreneurship calendar. Designed to build camaraderie, align visions, and foster a sense of shared identity, the event emphasized the importance of collaboration as Nigerian representatives prepare to take the global stage.
“The Global Entrepreneurship Congress is not just a conference, it’s a platform that is deliberate about global innovation meeting local action, said Mrs. Shuhda Muhammed, Founder of Tripoint Travels. We wanted to set the tone for our delegates, to ensure that they feel connected to this year’s theme – The Bold Change the World, as well as foster the necessary collaborations to make that happen at the local and global stage.. As a company rooted in both logistics and empowerment, we are proud to play a role in making their journey seamless and meaningful.”
Speaking at the event, Dr. Olawale Anifowose, Managing Director of the Global Entrepreneurship Network Nigeria (GEN Nigeria), emphasized the significance of the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) as both a meeting point and a growth platform, where Nigerian entrepreneurs engage with global ecosystems to connect, learn, and thrive. He noted that Nigeria’s presence at the GEC is not just symbolic but essential, reflecting the country’s growing influence in the global entrepreneurial landscape. Dr. Anifowose also commended Tripoint Travels for their pivotal role as a trusted partner in mobilizing Nigeria’s brightest talent and making the journey to GEC 2025 a reality.
GEN Nigeria has emerged as a critical force in supporting entrepreneurship at the grassroots and policy level, and with a Partner as Tripoint Travels, its expansive network and initiatives, continues to actively shape the country’s innovation landscape, championing inclusive growth, and equipping thousands of Entrepreneurs with the tools, exposure, and networks needed to succeed in both local and international markets.
With delegates selected for their contributions to Ecosystem building and Entrepreneurship, Nigeria’s representation at The GEC 2025 would reflect the country’s diversity, resilience, entrepreneurship spirit and creative potential. The presence of Founders and Innovators like Mr Rotimi Awofisibe – MD, VFD bank, one of the officially invited participants, is testament to Nigeria’s growing influence in the Global Entrepreneurship arena.
“We’re proud to be a longstanding partner of GEN Nigeria, supporting the Entrepreneurs shaping Nigeria’s future. Attending the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) is about learning, contributing, and returning with a renewed, broader vision. It’s through committed partnerships like ours that such visions become reality,” said Mrs. Muhammed.
More than just a travel management company, Tripoint Travels is a trusted enabler of dreams, mobility, and opportunity. As GEN Nigeria’s official travel partner for GEC 2025, Tripoint is overseeing every aspect of the delegation’s journey, from visa coordination and flight logistics to accommodation and ground transportation, ensuring a seamless and empowering experience.
Tripoint Travels also extends its commitment to ecosystem development through Tripoint Academy, its nonprofit arm that supports early-stage entrepreneurs with training, mentoring, and access to local and global opportunities. Tripoint’s partnership with GEN Nigeria reflects its broader mission: to use travel as a tool for empowerment, education, and national development.
“Every single ticket we issue is a bridge, a bridge between where someone is now, and where they’re meant to be,” added Mrs. Muhammed. “We don’t just book travel. We open up the world for Nigerian entrepreneurs.”
The highlight of the Pre-Congress brunch was the piece of art done by all the delegates present at the event. The interactive art was introduced as an inclusive way to showcase the multiculturalism and pivotal position of the Nigerian business mind, and so the essence of the Nigerian delegation materialised through the painting. The art work will be exhibited and gifted at a special event during the Congress.
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