The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has launched a specialised training programme aimed at empowering Nigerian women with cybersecurity skills and increasing their participation in the country’s growing digital security workforce.
The training, tagged “Cyber for Women”, was organised by NITDA in collaboration with Women in Cybersecurity and held on Tuesday, March 10, 2026 in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Mohammed Lawan Ahmed, NITDA’s director of Cybersecurity, represented by Ayodele Bakare, described the programme as a deliberate effort to position Nigerian women at the forefront of the country’s digital security ecosystem.
Ahmed said the initiative was designed not merely as a training session but as 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.
According to him, the programme underscores the growing role of women in the global digital revolution and highlights the need to equip them with the necessary skills to contribute meaningfully to cybersecurity.
“Today is a declaration that the women of Nigeria are not bystanders in the digital revolution; they are its architects,” he added.
Ahmed noted that cybersecurity has become a critical pillar for digital transformation in an increasingly technology-driven world.
He pointed out that while global demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to rise, women remain significantly underrepresented in the field.
To address this gap, he said 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.
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.
