Cyber Threats and Nigeria’s National Security: Assessing the Role of Regional Cooperation in West Africa

Abstract

This study evaluates the intersection of cyber threats, national security, and regional collaboration in West Africa, and specifically how the cybersecurity architecture in Nigeria is changing. It discusses the way the growing digitization of the Nigerian economy and government has made the country more susceptible to cybercrime, disinformation, and espionage, as these problems are now considered critical concerns related to national security. The paper is based on the theory of securitization and regional security complex framework to evaluate the policy reactions of Nigeria, institutionalization and the importance of regional collaboration within the framework of ECOWAS and Malabo Convention of the African Union. Based on content analysis of secondary data and policy documents, the study shows the presence of institutional weaknesses, lack of technical capacity, and legal harmonization as the key obstacles to effective cyber governance. Sustainable cyber resilience requires national coordination, capacity building and enhanced regional collaboration. Study findings highlight the fact that the leadership of ECOWAS in Nigeria should transition to policy supremacy to facilitate cooperation so as to establish a collective cyber defense and digital stability in West Africa.