Good morning, Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, and friends.
It is an honor to join you today at the Nigeria Cybersecurity Conference, a gathering that underscores the critical importance of securing our shared digital future. "I commend the organizers for bringing together such a diverse group of stakeholders to address one of the defining challenges of our time: cybersecurity."
"As we all know, cyberspace is the backbone of modern society. It powers our economies, connects our communities, and enables innovation across every sector." Yet, as we embrace the opportunities of the digital age, we must also confront its vulnerabilities. Insecure cyberspace poses broad and far-reaching consequences—security, economic, and social—that demand our urgent attention.
"From a security perspective, cyber threats are evolving at an unprecedented pace." Criminal networks exploit vulnerabilities to disrupt infrastructure and steal information. These threats transcend borders, making international collaboration essential.
Economically, "cyberattacks cost the global economy billions of dollars annually." For Nigeria with its expanding digital economy, these risks are particularly acute. In early 2025, African organizations experienced on average 3,286 cyber attacks per organization per week.
Socially, "the consequences of cyber insecurity are equally profound." Insecure systems erode trust in institutions and compromise privacy. Citizens' inability to rely on digital platforms can lead to social discord. It's important to resist stifling rights under the guise of cybersecurity.
Addressing these challenges requires cooperation beyond government alone. Governments should work with private sectors and international partners to build resilient systems and share best practices.
"In this context," it's crucial to highlight risks from untrusted suppliers whose technologies introduce vulnerabilities exploited by malicious actors. Prioritizing trusted partnerships ensures system integrity.
"The United States is committed to continue working with Nigeria to strengthen its cybersecurity and secure its digital future." Recently a Nigerian delegation visited U.S. agencies like FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center for insights into operational frameworks and inter-agency collaboration models.
Together we can create safe cyberspace that empowers individuals while driving economic growth globally.
"As we embark on discussions," remember cybersecurity is not just technical—it’s a shared responsibility turning challenges into opportunities ensuring progress in this digital age rather than peril.
"Thank you," looking forward to insights from this important gathering.