By Peter Omopo
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has raised alarm over the growing menace of fraud, cyberattacks, and digital insecurity in the country, warning that these threats endanger Nigeria’s national identity and economic future.
Speaking at a cybersecurity summit held at the University of Abuja on Friday, the Chairman of NANS, Federal Capital Territory chapter, ThankGod Chimenem, urged Nigerian youths to reject internet fraud and cybercrime, describing them as “acts that tarnish the nation’s image and compromise its digital integrity.”
The event, themed “Securing Nigeria’s Digital Future: Youth Innovation and National Cyber Resilience,” was hosted by the Office of the NANS FCT Chairman and attended by student leaders, ICT experts, and digital innovators.
Chimenem, while addressing participants, called on Nigerian youths to take the lead in safeguarding the country’s digital space through innovation, responsibility, and cyber awareness.
“In an age where technology powers every aspect of our lives — from education and governance to business and national security — our ability to innovate, protect, and sustain our digital systems has become a matter of national importance,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria’s rapid growth as one of Africa’s leading digital economies comes with both opportunities and risks. According to him, if not properly managed, cyberattacks, online fraud, and misinformation could derail national development and damage international trust in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
“As our dependence on technology grows, so do the threats — cyberattacks, data breaches, online fraud, misinformation, and digital insecurity. These challenges not only affect individuals but also threaten our economy, governance, and national identity,” Chimenem warned.
He stressed that ensuring a secure digital future requires more than technical fixes, urging young Nigerians to embrace ethical innovation and patriotism in cyberspace.
“Securing Nigeria’s digital space is not just about installing firewalls or developing codes. It’s about safeguarding the dreams, creativity, and innovation of a new generation — the Nigerian youth,” he said.
Highlighting the growing contributions of young Nigerians to the technology sector, Chimenem said:
“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.”
Experts at the summit echoed his sentiments, noting that while Nigeria’s digital economy continues to expand — contributing significantly to the country’s GDP — challenges such as poor infrastructure, weak data protection, and rising cybercrime remain major obstacles.
They called for stronger collaboration between government agencies, educational institutions, and the private sector to enhance digital literacy, promote cybersecurity training, and integrate emerging technologies like artificial intelligence to boost economic growth and protect national interests.
The summit ended with a call for collective responsibility among youths, institutions, and policymakers to ensure Nigeria’s digital transformation is both inclusive and secure.
