Empowering Nigerian Women in Cybersecurity
NITDA, in collaboration with Women in Cybersecurity, organized a special training session titled “Cyber for Women” on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, in Abuja. The event aimed to address the growing need for women’s participation in the cybersecurity field and to equip them with the necessary skills to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s digital security landscape.
Speaking at the event, NITDA’s Director of Cybersecurity, Mohammed Lawan Ahmed, was represented by Ayodele Bakare. He emphasized that the program was a deliberate effort to position Nigerian women as key players in the country’s digital security ecosystem. According to Bakare, the initiative was not just a training session but 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.
The training underscored the increasing role of women in the global digital revolution. Bakare highlighted the importance of equipping women with the necessary skills to make meaningful contributions to cybersecurity. “Today is a declaration that the women of Nigeria are not bystanders in the digital revolution; they are its architects,” he added.
Bakare noted that cybersecurity has become a critical pillar for digital transformation in an increasingly technology-driven world. He pointed out that while the global demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to rise, women remain significantly underrepresented in the field. To address this gap, 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.
A Strategic Initiative for Digital Inclusion
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. By focusing on women, the initiative aims to bridge the gender gap in the tech industry and create a more diverse and resilient cybersecurity community.
The program included a series of workshops, expert-led sessions, and interactive discussions designed to enhance participants’ understanding of cybersecurity principles, threat detection, and response strategies. It also provided a platform for networking and collaboration among professionals in the field.
Participants were given access to hands-on training modules, including topics such as network security, data protection, and ethical hacking. These sessions were led by experienced cybersecurity experts who shared insights into real-world challenges and best practices for maintaining digital safety.
In addition to technical training, the program emphasized the importance of leadership and innovation in the cybersecurity sector. Participants were encouraged to take on active roles in shaping the future of digital security in Nigeria and beyond.
Looking Ahead
The success of the Cyber for Women training highlights the potential of targeted initiatives to drive change and foster inclusivity in the tech industry. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the need for skilled and empowered professionals becomes increasingly vital.
By investing in the education and development of Nigerian women, NITDA and its partners are taking a significant step toward building a more secure and equitable digital future. This initiative serves as a model for other organizations looking to promote diversity and inclusion in the cybersecurity field.
As the program moves forward, it is expected to inspire more women to pursue careers in cybersecurity and contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy. With continued support and collaboration, the impact of such initiatives can be far-reaching, benefiting not only the participants but also the broader community.
