* Recognition highlights the organisation’s longstanding contribution to cybersecurity consciousness, skilled growth and a safer Nigerian digital ecosystem
The Information Security Society of Africa-Nigeria (ISSAN) has acquired the award for Best Cybersecurity Awareness and Capacity Building Programme in Nigeria and Africa from the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
The award, offered on the 2026 International Cybersecurity Conference organised by NITDA in Abuja, recognises ISSAN’s contribution to advancing cybersecurity consciousness, data sharing and capability growth inside Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Established in South Africa in 1996 and subsequently prolonged to Nigeria, ISSAN is a not-for-profit skilled organisation devoted to defending Nigeria’s our on-line world and selling info safety throughout Africa.
Over the years, the organisation has developed into an essential platform for collaboration, data trade {and professional} engagement amongst info safety practitioners and different stakeholders.
Its membership cuts throughout the private and non-private sectors, together with banks, telecommunications operators, authorities establishments, switching corporations, info expertise and safety consultancy companies, authorized practitioners and regulatory businesses.
ISSAN’s work focuses on strengthening the safety of banking methods and functions, automated teller machines (ATMs), e-government platforms, digital commerce and the broader digital ecosystem. It additionally promotes cybersecurity consciousness, applicable laws and the adoption of data safety greatest practices.
Through its conferences, skilled engagements, knowledge-sharing classes and capacity-building initiatives, the organisation has continued to encourage collaboration amongst cybersecurity professionals and establishments in addressing rising digital threats.
The NITDA recognition comes at a time when Nigeria is accelerating its digital transformation, with elevated adoption of digital funds, digital banking, e-commerce, digital public companies and different technology-enabled options. While these developments create vital alternatives for financial development and monetary inclusion, in addition they underscore the necessity for stronger cybersecurity consciousness and preparedness.
ISSAN’s recognition reinforces the significance of equipping people, companies and establishments with the data and capabilities to establish cyber threats, shield delicate info and undertake safer digital practices.
Speaking on the importance of the award, President of ISSAN, Dr David Isiavwe, mentioned the popularity underscores the rising significance of cybersecurity consciousness and capability constructing in securing Nigeria’s digital future.
He famous that cybersecurity should transcend expertise and technical infrastructure to incorporate steady training, accountable digital behaviour, institutional preparedness and collaboration amongst stakeholders.
According to him, constructing a safe digital ecosystem requires a collective dedication from authorities establishments, monetary companies suppliers, expertise corporations, companies, academia and people.
The award additionally highlights the essential function {of professional} associations akin to ISSAN in selling cybersecurity data, creating skilled capabilities and supporting a extra resilient digital surroundings.
As Nigeria expands its digital economic system, the safety of digital platforms, private info and monetary transactions stays important to constructing public confidence and inspiring better participation in digital companies.
ISSAN’s recognition by NITDA subsequently represents an essential milestone for the organisation and the broader cybersecurity neighborhood. It reinforces the necessity for sustained funding in consciousness, training, abilities growth and collaboration to help a safer and extra trusted digital ecosystem in Nigeria and throughout Africa.
The affiliation reaffirmed its dedication to working with related stakeholders to advertise cybersecurity consciousness, strengthen skilled capability and contribute to a safe digital future.
