By 
NITDA Targets Gender Gap in Cybersecurity Workforce
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has launched a specialised cybersecurity training programme. It is aimed at empowering Nigerian women with critical digital security skills and increasing their representation in the country’s rapidly growing cybersecurity workforce.
RELATED: C1WT unveils world’s first digital 8-pillar global trade accelerator to empower one million women in trade
The initiative, tagged “Cyber for Women,” was organised in collaboration with Women in Cybersecurity and held on March 10, 2026, in Abuja.
Bridging the Gender Divide in Global Cybersecurity
Globally, women currently represent only 20–25% of the cybersecurity workforce, a notable improvement from 11% in 2013. However, a significant leadership gap persists, with women occupying just 7–14% of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) roles.
ALSO READ: Nigeria launches ‘Happy Woman App’ to connect 25m women to finance, skills and markets
NITDA’s latest intervention is designed to address this imbalance by equipping Nigerian women with the expertise needed to compete and lead in the cybersecurity space.
Programme Positioned as Strategic Investment in Digital Security
Speaking at the event, NITDA’s Director of Cybersecurity, Mohammed Lawan Ahmed, represented by Ayodele Bakare, described the programme as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s digital future.
“This programme is not just another training; it is a strategic investment in the future of Nigeria’s digital security landscape, with women intentionally placed at the centre,” he stated.
He emphasised that the initiative reflects a broader commitment to positioning Nigerian women as key contributors and leaders in the global digital economy.
Women as Key Drivers of the Digital Revolution
Ahmed highlighted the evolving role of women in the global technology ecosystem. He stressed that they are no longer passive participants but active architects of digital transformation.
“This initiative is a declaration that Nigerian women are not bystanders in the digital revolution; they are its architects,” he said.
He further noted that cybersecurity has become a critical pillar of digital transformation. It is now essential for safeguarding national infrastructure, businesses, and citizens in an increasingly connected world.
Building Skills, Capacity, and Collaboration
The “Cyber for Women” programme is designed to provide participants with:
- Practical cybersecurity knowledge and technical skills
- Exposure to real-world digital security challenges
- Collaboration and networking opportunities within the cybersecurity ecosystem
According to NITDA, the initiative aims to empower women with the tools and confidence required to tackle emerging cyber threats. This will enable the womenfolk to contribute to protecting Nigeria’s digital infrastructure.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Cybersecurity and Inclusion Agenda
The programme forms part of NITDA’s broader strategy to:
- Build local cybersecurity capacity
- Promote gender inclusion in the tech ecosystem
- Strengthen Nigeria’s resilience against cyber threats
Ahmed noted that the strong participation of women in the programme demonstrates their readiness to engage with the demands of the digital age and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Driving a More Inclusive Digital Future
By investing in women’s cybersecurity skills, NITDA is not only addressing workforce shortages but also fostering a more inclusive digital economy—one where diverse perspectives enhance innovation, security, and sustainable growth.
