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Nigeria has been ranked among Tier 3 countries in the latest Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 (GCI), released by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The index, which assesses the cybersecurity posture of nations, classifies countries into five tiers, with Tier 1 representing the highest level of commitment across legal, technical, organizational, capacity-building, and cooperative dimensions.
In the 2024 report, Nigeria was positioned in Tier 3, placing it among 105 countries that have significantly expanded their digital infrastructure but are still in the process of developing comprehensive cybersecurity frameworks. The report described Nigeria as “establishing” its cybersecurity efforts, marking progress in digital services and connectivity while highlighting the need for stronger, more integrated cybersecurity measures.
A key finding of the report was the “cyber capacity gap” faced by several countries, including Nigeria. The gap is characterized by limitations in skills, staffing, and funding, which impede the development of robust cybersecurity systems. Despite these challenges, Nigeria has made considerable strides in enhancing its cybersecurity capabilities.
ITU Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin, emphasized the importance of building trust in the digital world, stating, “The progress seen in the Global Cybersecurity Index signals that efforts must continue to ensure that everyone, everywhere, can safely and securely manage cyber threats in today’s increasingly complex digital landscape.”
Additionally, the report highlighted that the world’s least developed countries (LDCs) are beginning to make notable progress in their cybersecurity efforts, though they still require support to advance further. According to GCI 2024 data, the average LDC has reached the cybersecurity level that non-LDC developing nations achieved in 2021.
Cosmas Zavazava, Director of ITU’s Telecommunication Development Bureau, commended countries that are implementing essential legal measures, plans, and cooperation frameworks, particularly those aimed at strengthening incident response capabilities. “ITU’s cybersecurity projects and programs are supporting these national efforts to more effectively manage cyberthreats. I hope that the progress demonstrated by this index motivates countries to continue developing secure and trustworthy digital systems and networks,” Zavazava said.
Nigeria’s position in the index reflects both its progress and the ongoing work required to build a more secure digital future in the face of evolving cyber challenges.
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