The National Association of Nigerian Students has warned that fraud and cyberattacks pose serious threats to Nigeria’s national identity and digital growth.
The Chairman of NANS in the Federal Capital Territory, ThankGod Chimenem, gave the warning on Friday during a cybersecurity summit held at the University of Abuja.
Speaking on the theme “Securing Nigeria’s Digital Future: Youth Innovation and National Cyber Resilience,” Chimenem urged students to embrace technology responsibly and become active participants in protecting the country’s digital space.
“In an age where technology powers every aspect of our lives from education and governance to business and security, our ability to innovate, protect, and sustain our digital systems has become a matter of national importance,” he said.
He noted that while Nigeria continues to grow as one of Africa’s leading digital economies, cyberattacks, online fraud, and misinformation could undermine that progress if not tackled early.
“As our dependence on technology grows, so do the threats. Cyberattacks, data breaches, online fraud, misinformation, and digital insecurity not only affect individuals but also threaten our economy, governance, and national identity,” he said.
Chimenem added that building a secure digital future goes beyond developing codes or setting up firewalls. It also involves protecting the creativity and innovation of Nigerian youths who are shaping the country’s technology space.
“Our youths are not just the users of technology; we are its architects. From young developers building AI solutions in Abuja to digital entrepreneurs in Lagos and cybersecurity enthusiasts in Kano, Nigerian youth are redefining what’s possible,” he said.
Experts at the event described Nigeria’s digital economy as promising but warned that weak infrastructure and rising cyber threats could hinder progress if not addressed through stronger collaboration and digital literacy.
