Global cybersecurity company, Kaspersky, has reaffirmed its growing interest in Nigeria by entering into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
Speaking at the signing ceremony held on the sidelines of GTIEX Nigeria in Lagos, Kaspersky Africa’s General Manager, Chris Norton, expressed optimism about the collaboration and the country’s digital future.
“We are doubling down on the Nigerian market. Africa doesn’t need charity, it needs skills. Through public-private partnerships like this, we can accelerate value creation for communities and governments,” he said.
Norton added that the company’s support goes beyond the MoU, noting that Kaspersky would also become a supporting member of the Nigerian Computer Society.
“This is the first step in a direction that I believe will lead to far bigger things for the Nigerian people and government. We are excited to work together to build a safer digital future.”
The MoU, which focuses on cybersecurity training, capacity building, public awareness, information sharing, and protection of critical national infrastructure, is a major step in strengthening Nigeria’s cyber resilience.
Both parties agreed to exchange technical information, threat intelligence, and data feeds on cyberattacks affecting citizens, businesses, and government institutions. Kaspersky will also provide input for NITDA’s cybersecurity frameworks and standards for protecting critical information infrastructures.
On behalf of NITDA, Director General Kashifu Inuwa, signed the agreement and stressed the importance of human capacity in cybersecurity defence.
“More than 95% of cyber breaches are caused by human error. Our first line of defence must be the people. We need to build talent, raise awareness, and ensure fluency in how technology is used. This MoU is not just a formality, it is a springboard for action,” Inuwa said.
He noted that implementation was key, rather than the publicity of signing agreements. “We have already started working with Kaspersky even before this signing. For us, it is about impact, not just paperwork. We want the media and the public to hold us accountable for delivering on this partnership,” he said.
Highlighting the breadth of cybersecurity concerns, Inuwa added: “The cybersecurity aspects that should be considered for having a secure IT environment in the country range from the safe use of smartphones by children and older people, to shielding the facilities of critical infrastructure. Our collaboration with Kaspersky, which has deep expertise in all these areas, will be another step in building multi-layered national security.”
The pact aligns with NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) under pillar five: “Strengthen Cybersecurity and Enhance Digital Trust,” and also supports President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on national security for peace and prosperity.
The partnership follows an earlier engagement between both parties at GITEX Africa in Marrakech, Morocco, where initial discussions were held. It also builds on Kaspersky’s existing agreements with other Nigerian institutions, including SMEDAN.
The signing ceremony ended with a joint commitment to begin immediate implementation, focusing on proactive measures to counter emerging cyber threats and ensure a resilient digital infrastructure for Nigeria.