Cyber security Institutional Frameworks in Nigeria: A Panacea for Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16

Abstract

Global cyber security issues are difficult to manage with national state enforcement mechanisms. Nigeria, like other nations, struggles to understand its cyberspace needs. Global Cyber Security Index (GCI) ranks Nigeria 47th internationally and 4th among African countries with weak cyber security preparation based on legislative, institutional, and international engagement measures as of 2024. Nigeria created cyber security agencies to address these seemingly uncontrollable cyber risks. This work asses the cyber security institutional frameworks in Nigeria. The study found that Nigeria's institutional architecture for cyberattack protection, and crisis management is weak, which may hinder Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) implementation by 2030. The work proposes that cyber security professionals and experts will find it highly helpful if participate as advisers in the investigation and prosecution of the newly established Nigeria Data Protection Commission and other enforcement organisations. The research concludes that Nigeria needs an independent institutional body to regulate cyber security protection.