Meet 10 Cybersecurity Leaders in Nigeria’s Multibillion Dollar Digital Economy
Nigeria, the largest economy in Africa, is rapidly becoming a hub for digital innovation and technology. As the country’s digital economy continues to expand, so does the need for robust cybersecurity solutions. With the rise of digital services, fintech, e-commerce, and government initiatives pushing for a more connected society, cybersecurity professionals in Nigeria are at the forefront of safeguarding this burgeoning digital landscape.
We spotlight 10 cybersecurity leaders who are shaping Nigeria’s multibillion-dollar digital economy. These experts are not only protecting the digital infrastructure but also driving innovations and setting global cybersecurity standards.
1. Ire Aderinokun – Cybersecurity Evangelist and UX Expert
Ire Aderinokun is one of Nigeria’s leading figures in cybersecurity and user experience (UX) design. With a focus on building secure and user-friendly websites, Aderinokun’s work has helped enhance web security protocols while maintaining high user experience standards. She is an advocate for the integration of security into the user interface (UI) and UX design, ensuring both ease of use and protection.
2. Dr. Emma Agbaje – Founder, Agbaje Cybersecurity Solutions
Dr. Emma Agbaje is a renowned cybersecurity expert and the founder of Agbaje Cybersecurity Solutions, a Nigerian company specializing in cyber defense, digital forensics, and risk management. His work extends across sectors like finance, telecommunications, and government, where he provides critical security strategies to protect sensitive data and digital assets.
3. Tosin Laniyan – CEO, CyberXcel Solutions
Tosin Laniyan is the CEO of CyberXcel Solutions, a cybersecurity company offering end-to-end security services for businesses in Nigeria. His expertise lies in vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and threat intelligence. Laniyan’s company is recognized for its ability to tackle Nigeria’s unique cybersecurity challenges, including fraud and cybercrime, in a rapidly digitizing economy.
4. Ngozi Nwokolo – Head of IT Security, Zenith Bank
As the Head of IT Security at Zenith Bank, Ngozi Nwokolo is responsible for protecting the bank’s vast digital ecosystem from cyber threats. With Nigeria’s banking sector being one of the most lucrative targets for cybercriminals, Nwokolo’s strategic approach to cybersecurity has helped safeguard billions of dollars in assets and customer data, setting benchmarks for financial security in the region.
5. Olumide Idowu – Founder, CyberSafe Foundation
Olumide Idowu is a cybersecurity thought leader and the founder of CyberSafe Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to cybersecurity awareness and capacity building in Nigeria. His work primarily focuses on education, aiming to equip individuals and businesses with the knowledge to prevent cyber threats. Idowu’s advocacy for cybersecurity has made him one of Nigeria’s most influential voices in digital security.
6. Chinonso Uche – Cybersecurity Consultant & Trainer
Chinonso Uche is a cybersecurity consultant who has worked with various governmental and private sector organizations across Africa. Uche specializes in risk management, data protection, and security governance. His training programs are among the most sought-after in Nigeria, where he empowers professionals with the skills needed to respond to emerging cybersecurity threats.
7. Folake Odediran – Cybersecurity Architect, MTN Nigeria
Folake Odediran plays a pivotal role in securing MTN Nigeria’s vast digital ecosystem. As a cybersecurity architect, she leads initiatives that protect over 60 million users of the telecom giant’s services. Odediran’s expertise in network security and threat mitigation is instrumental in ensuring the safety of MTN’s digital infrastructure, which spans mobile communication and mobile money services.
8. Abiola Olasunkanmi – CTO, SecurePoint Technologies
Abiola Olasunkanmi is the Chief Technology Officer at SecurePoint Technologies, a cybersecurity firm specializing in enterprise security solutions. Olasunkanmi has helped businesses protect their digital footprints by designing scalable security systems tailored to the local market. His contributions have been vital in ensuring that Nigerian enterprises, from startups to large corporations, are not left vulnerable to cyber threats.
9. Fola Alabi – Chief Information Security Officer, Access Bank
Fola Alabi serves as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Access Bank, one of Nigeria’s largest banks. Alabi is responsible for ensuring that the bank’s IT infrastructure remains resilient against emerging cyber threats. Her efforts in implementing advanced security technologies have been critical in preventing cyber fraud, a major issue in the financial sector.
10. David Ibeh – Founder, Ibeh Cybersecurity Services
David Ibeh is a seasoned cybersecurity entrepreneur and the founder of Ibeh Cybersecurity Services, a firm that provides cutting-edge security solutions for Nigerian businesses. Ibeh’s deep understanding of emerging threats, particularly in the areas of ransomware and phishing, has made him a leading expert in Nigeria’s cybersecurity landscape. His firm is renowned for its quick response to security breaches and proactive security assessments.
These 10 cybersecurity leaders are making significant contributions to Nigeria’s digital economy, ensuring that businesses, government institutions, and individuals remain secure in an increasingly interconnected world. As Nigeria’s digital landscape continues to grow, their leadership and expertise will be crucial in preventing cyber threats that could undermine economic progress.
For aspiring cybersecurity professionals and organizations looking to enhance their digital security posture, these leaders serve as exemplary figures in the fight against cybercrime. Their work not only helps safeguard Nigeria’s multibillion-dollar digital economy but also sets a standard for cybersecurity excellence across Africa and the globe.
