Nigeria's Digital Economy Exposed to AI-Driven Cyber Threats

Cybersecurity experts, lawmakers, and international partners raised concerns about the growing sophistication of AI and its impact on digital infrastructure and national security. They called for stronger digital defences, improved public awareness, and greater international cooperation to combat emerging threats. The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) noted that cybercriminals are increasingly exploiting human weaknesses, making traditional security measures insufficient to protect digital infrastructure and sensitive information.

The development raises concerns about the growing risks of phishing, impersonation, online fraud, and other forms of social engineering. Cybersecurity strategies must extend beyond protecting computer systems and digital infrastructure to include the human mind, understanding how attackers exploit human behaviour.

The distinction between cybersecurity and cyber resilience is particularly important for Nigeria’s expanding digital economy, where disruptions to financial services and government platforms could result in financial losses and reduced public confidence in digital services.