Industry leaders, government officials, and cybersecurity experts convened at the Smartcomply Compliance and Cybersecurity Breakfast Session 2025 in Lagos, Nigeria to discuss the pressing issues of data privacy, compliance, and combating cybercrime in Nigeria.
The event, featuring keynote addresses, panel discussions, and a product demonstration, emphasized the importance of collaboration, emerging technologies, and regulatory compliance in the digital era.
Data Privacy and Compliance: A Shared Responsibility
Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Chairman/CEO of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), opened the conference by highlighting the pivotal role of the private sector in ensuring data protection. Stressing that “security and privacy are different but equally significant,” Dr. Olatunji called for widespread adherence to Nigeria’s data protection laws, including the mandatory registration with the NDPC.
With global internet usage surpassing 5.5 billion people and connected devices projected to reach 41.6 billion by 2030, Dr. Olatunji underscored the urgent need for robust cybersecurity and data privacy measures. He also noted the economic and social costs of cybercrime, projected to exceed $20 trillion globally by 2026.
Nigeria’s Cybersecurity Landscape
CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry, Director of the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC), highlighted the country’s efforts to combat cybercrime. In 2024 alone, the NPF-NCCC reported 508 cases, arrested 751 cybercriminals, and recovered assets valued at billions of naira. However, challenges remain, including the inadequacy of advanced forensic tools and the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals leveraging AI.
“Cybercrime is no longer just a local issue but a global menace,” said CP Uche. He called for increased collaboration between law enforcement and private organizations, emphasizing that technology companies must play a role in sharing data and building trust.
Panel Discussions: Compliance, Collaboration, and Governance
An executive panel featuring representatives from major institutions such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, First Bank, Coronation Merchant Bank, Unity Bank, and more…explored strategies for ensuring compliance and fostering collaboration. Discussions focused on the importance of integrating compliance into organizational culture, leveraging AI for threat detection, and maintaining robust third-party risk management.
The panel session moderated by Oluseye Soyede-Johnson of Bvndle Incorporated
had Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Chairman/CEO Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Mr Ademola Adedoyin, CISO, Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Mohammed Lawan Ahmed, Director, Cybersecurity Department, NITDA, CP Uche Ifeanyi Henry, Commissioner of Police, Director, Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center, Abuja, Feyijimi Adewole, CISO & DPO, Coronation Merchant Bank, Mr Femi Aremu, Information Security program management, Governance and Compliance, Unity Bank plc, Dr Musa Aliyu, Chairman, Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, Dr Harrison Nnaji, Chief Information Security Officer, First Bank of Nigeria seated.
When asked what measures have the ICPC put in place to ensure compliance and how are they enforcing collaboration? Dr. Musa Aliyu, said that the ICPC works closely with the Nigerian Police. In addition, they set up a division that focuses on computer crimes. He also buttressed the point made by the CP during his keynote, that many tools needed are not available to them but that has not stopped their efforts.
Dr. Olatunji’s first response to how organizations can ensure that they drive the right thinking around compliance and what’s the regulatory plan for 2025 was that he reiterated the need for organizations and businesses to embrace compliance as a culture – a way of life.
The plans for 2025 as stated by him includes training, workshops, and awareness so everyone is informed of the data protection laws and strict enforcement of the law.
On the other hand, Dr. Mohammed Lawan said that organization can ensure compliance from a regulatory side and that NITDA’s stand on compliance ensures that CIA guides operations, encrypt data based on sensitivity, personal data must be protected, Identify assets and risks, response, planning, and reporting, having a compliance officer, if your business doesn’t have one outsource, and ensure responsibility and accountability. He also emphasised proper auditing; there’s no excuse, this could be done internally or outsourced on automated platforms like Smartcomply.
Mr. Adedoyin Ademola said that CBN is a regulator but also needs to abide by regulations i.e CBN provides regulations, and enforces them but also complies with certain standard regulations. He went on to speak about the importance of these three roles- CISO, DPO & Cybersecurity officer- in an organization such as CBN. These three do not stand alone and there’s a need for collaboration across them. No one works in isolation to ensure compliance and security. To avoid falling short and facing consequences of non-compliance; COLLABORATE.
He also spoke about third-party management, stating that it is not sufficient to stay secure as an organization. It is important to monitor what the third parties connected to you are using data for.
Dr. Harrisson Nnaji started by supporting the point made on third-party risk management which is something FBN does.Carrying out due diligence on 3rd parties is very key, else all controls put in place become irrelevant in the face of a breach or attack sensitization.
Considering the projected growth in Nigeria, Dr. Musa said that there are tech strategies ICPC is adopting towards deploying new technology. He also said that an issue identified is the lack of access to technology that can help with investigation. It’s this technology that is employed to uncover hidden details in the devices of perpetrators. This year there’s a need for local innovation to support the ICPC.
CP Uche Ifeanyi said that the police can not work alone so there’s a need for help/collaboration to ensure enforcement. Most times when we talk about help, we tend to look outside (international) but local help at the national level is also needed.This should not be the job of the government only. Companies can help in spreading awareness.
When these collaborations work, they yield success stories. These stories help build trust and push even more collaboration. Are tech companies willing to help victims of cybercrime? In 2025, tech partners can help bridge the gap by giving data when needed and opening up to help law enforcement agencies.
Mr. Feyijimi Adewole answered the question on how we contend with the current threats even with advancements in tech (used by these criminals). According to him, everybody has to be strategic leaders: Be proactive, don’t just lead but lead with change in mind.
Fight fire with fire: quoting what CP Ifeanyi said “You can’t investigate tech without being a tech expert”. Those who will be combating these crimes need to have technical skills. Use of predictive analysis, AML, and so on. Simulation of attacks also helps users to get familiar with attack strategies and learn how to respond.
AI and automation must be brought on board just like what Smartcomply is doing; collaboration between CISO, DPO, and Cybersecurity officers create a single force protecting the organization. Have a holistic view across the board, he said.
Mr. Femi Aremu, highlighted the steps organizations should take to be compliant from a governance perspective. He said that continuous monitoring of threats, reporting responsibly, protecting your image, remaining compliant, this is seen by clients too, ensure that the architecture of identity, protection,and response are managed effectively.
Awards and Closing Remarks
The event concluded with an awards ceremony presented by Valerie Azubuike the COO of Smartcomply and David Adeleke, CEO of Zeeh Africa to recognize outstanding contributions to cybersecurity and compliance, followed by a call to action for sustained efforts in combating cybercrime and enhancing data privacy.
Efe Owonigho, Head of Customer Success and Partnerships from Smartcomply, who gave the closing speech, commended participants for their dedication and urged continued collaboration.
As Nigeria navigates the challenges of digital transformation, events like Smartcomply Compliance and Cybersecurity 2025 serve as a crucial platform for driving innovation and strengthening the nation’s cybersecurity framework.
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Transcribed by: Melody Ogedengbe, AI intern
Edited by: Dolapo Ayeni, Head of Communications and Media