NITDA Calls for Greater Female Participation in Cybersecurity

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has called for stronger participation of women in cybersecurity, highlighting the need to close the gender gap in one of the fastest-growing areas of the digital economy.

The call was made during a one-day Cyber for Women Training organised in Abuja to equip women with foundational knowledge and skills in cybersecurity. The programme was organised by NITDA in collaboration with Women in CyberSecurity Nigeria and supported by the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria as part of activities marking International Women’s Day.

Speaking during the training, the Director-General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, stressed the importance of increasing women’s representation in cybersecurity. Represented by Dr. Ayodele Bakare from the agency’s cybersecurity department, he noted that women remain significantly underrepresented in the field globally despite the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals.

According to him, cybersecurity is no longer a niche area within the technology sector but a critical component of modern digital infrastructure. As individuals, organisations, and governments rely increasingly on digital systems, the need for skilled professionals who can safeguard data and digital platforms continues to grow.

President of Women in CyberSecurity Nigeria, Patricia Eromosele, also highlighted the increasing demand for cybersecurity talent worldwide. She explained that the global cybersecurity workforce is expected to expand significantly in the coming years as organisations respond to the rising threat of cyberattacks.

Eromosele emphasised that attracting more women to the profession is essential for bridging the talent gap and strengthening digital security systems. She added that women must be encouraged not only to enter the field but also to pursue leadership and specialised roles within the industry.

Also speaking, Vice-President of the Cyber Security Experts Association of Nigeria, Oluwatoni Falade, noted that cybersecurity remains a male-dominated profession. She stressed that increasing women’s participation would introduce diverse perspectives that are essential for solving complex digital security challenges.

Participants described the training as an opportunity to explore potential career pathways in cybersecurity and gain a clearer understanding of digital safety practices.

The programme trained 55 women and forms part of broader efforts by technology stakeholders to promote gender inclusion within Nigeria’s digital ecosystem while preparing women to take advantage of emerging opportunities in the technology sector.